Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, especially PTSD with major depressive disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation to determine his eligibility for assistance in the purchase of automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the inextricability of the pending increased rating and service connection claims. The RO/AMC will adjudicate these claims before considering the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered alone and in combination with his non-service connected conditions, do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate to make an informed decision on the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, finding that new evidence received since the February 2008 rating decision raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The case is now remanded to obtain VA medical records and schedule the Veteran for an examination.

The Veteran's current diabetes mellitus, type II is related to exposure to herbicide agents during active military service. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for service connection have not been decided.

The Board has ordered a remand to clarify whether the Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia aggravated his claimed peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's claimed conditions, including polymyalgia rheumatica and peripheral neuropathy, were not found to be service-connected. The Board determined that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. Service connection claims for various conditions are pending.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of peripheral neuropathy of the left or right lower extremity, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, gastrointestinal disability, and genitourinary disability are all found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is granted due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for asthma/sinusitis, cervical spine and lumbar spine disorders, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, skin disorder (X-linked ichthyosis), and respiratory disorder (bronchitis and COPD). Service connection was denied for gastrointestinal disorder, sinusitis, defective hearing in the right ear, and perforated left ear drum.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence addressing the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to maintain employment. Additional VA treatment records are also needed.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, left upper extremity neuropathy, tumors of the left underarm, and a disorder characterized by painful joints, muscles, and bones. The evidence submitted since the February 2005 decision is not considered new and material.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection. This includes obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, as well as any VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing as requested by his representative. The issues of service connection are still pending.