Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to service exposure to Agent Orange, and the Board finds that service connection should be granted.

The Board is remanding the case to clarify whether service-connected disabilities contributed to the Veteran's death from intracerebral hemorrhage.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted. The claims for neurodermatitis, heart disability, erectile dysfunction, respiratory disability, prostate disability, acquired psychiatric disability, cognitive disability, and shrapnel wound to the neck are being remanded.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's hypertension and peripheral neuropathy claims, as well as an initial rating for folliculitis. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, and that his upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was secondary to a service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities does not warrant an increased rating as his symptoms are mild in nature and do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, various diagnosed psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine osteoarthritis, right thigh compressive neuropathy, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorders, including pes planus, were not incurred or aggravated by service. Other bilateral foot disorders are also present but there is no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is not related to his service or any service-connected conditions, including presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and Parkinson's disease are granted as presumptively due to herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. Service connection is also granted for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's combined disability rating does not meet the threshold for consideration of a schedular TDIU, as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.,The Veteran is currently service-connected for erectile dysfunction, but it has not resulted in deformity of the penis.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was not incurred in service, including due to herbicide exposure. It is also not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus or malaria.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lower extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left hands associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have been granted at 10 percent each, corresponding to mild incomplete paralysis.