Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. However, further examination and testing are needed to determine if this condition is causally or etiologically related to service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to evaluate the Veteran's left forearm disability, and the case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, did not have its clinical onset during a period of active service and is not otherwise related to active duty service.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, specifically carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), did not have its clinical onset during a period of active service and is not otherwise related to active duty.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for VA examinations and the need to obtain medical records. The appellant's claims for service connection and increased rating are currently pending.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected, and his peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities may be presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. His bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including carcinoma of the prostate rated at higher than 40 percent, are of sufficient severity to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation commensurate with his level of education and previous work experience.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further proceedings consistent with a Joint Motion for Partial Remand. The Veteran's claim is now pending and will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus II was denied. The RO granted service connection on a presumptive basis, but did not assign an effective date prior to June 3, 2009.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA examination by a board certified neurologist to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found no evidence of a service connection for the Veteran's right hand disabilities, as they are not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's current upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the VA to provide a hearing representative on his behalf and allow submission of additional evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran meets the percentage requirements for TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD, prostate cancer residuals, and left occipital area fragment wound with chronic headaches and trigeminal neuropathy preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PVD of the upper and lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities, and chronic dermatitis. The decision also addressed a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease and post-operative scarring.

The Veteran's service-connected sciatic neuropathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to December 8, 2011 and increased to 20 percent from that date. The Board found no evidence warranting an increase in rating beyond these levels.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including pes planus, bilateral knee replacements, lumbar fusion, blurred vision and glaucoma (secondary to diabetes), and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities (also secondary to diabetes).

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including a more current VA opinion on his employability due to service-connected disabilities.