Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, including residuals of a gunshot wound to the right thigh, is rated at 20 percent. The left lower extremity and both upper extremities are each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU, with his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left median neuropathy (previously diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome) is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities and therefore cannot meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status. The claim for service connection for various conditions is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, type II diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, eye condition, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to incomplete development. The AOJ will obtain additional evidence related to Agent Orange exposure and ensure that a VA examination is conducted for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for meralgia paresthetica and neuropathy of the right thigh, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, diabetes mellitus type II, and sleep apnea. The effective date is set at April 7, 2014.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating is 70 percent, and his disabilities relate to a common etiology (diabetes mellitus). The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions alone do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is being remanded for further examination and development due to potential secondary service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a video conference hearing at the earliest opportunity. The Veteran's request for a hearing was postponed and no further action can be taken without rescheduling.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification on whether he wants a Board hearing and scheduling of the appropriate type of hearing.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his current functional limitations and eligibility.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A new VA examination will be arranged to assess the severity of his diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's lay statements and a private medical opinion support his contention that he developed this condition during or shortly after his military service in Vietnam. A VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy is related to herbicide exposure, including Agent Orange, during military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing at the earliest available opportunity. The issues of service connection for glaucoma, peripheral neuropathy, posttraumatic vertigo including as secondary to hydrocephalus, and hydrocephalus are pending.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, which he claims are due to Agent Orange exposure. The case has been remanded for further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, arthritis, a bilateral foot disability, and peripheral neuropathy. The appeals are based on direct evidence of these conditions without any presumption or secondary relationship to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance. He is also entitled to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his permanent and total disability resulting from service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any bilateral upper extremity disorder, including neuropathy. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be remanded for this purpose.