Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's combined disability rating from service-connected conditions is 80%, which meets the threshold for a TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to determine if service-connected pes planus or dermatophytosis aggravates the Veteran's PVD and peripheral neuropathy. The issues of service connection remain pending.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 90%, which meets the minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, he has been employed in a protected environment and currently earns income that exceeds the poverty threshold for one person. The evidence does not show that his service-connected conditions render him unemployable.

The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with foot drop is granted service connection and rated at 10%.,The Veteran's residuals of a right foot bunionectomy are currently rated at 30%, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5284.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his type II diabetes mellitus and its complications, as well as an evaluation by a vocational specialist to determine if he can secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service. The claims for hyperlipidemia, cataracts, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and hypertension are all granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues include rating claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and nerve conditions, as well as questions regarding tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral knee disability and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities has been dismissed as the RO granted service connection for the knee disability in June 2014, which represents a full grant of benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical nexus opinion regarding the Veteran's Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy and Diabetes Mellitus, Type II.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination. The issue will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and could not be presumed due to a disease associated with active military service. The Board also found no evidence that the condition was caused or aggravated by his service-connected rheumatic heart disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with a noncompensable rating assigned for sinusitis effective May 15, 2006. The Veteran was also granted service connection for various disabilities including radiculopathy of the upper extremities, right wrist disability, left knee disability, right arm disability, right knee disability, sciatic nerve disability, and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination for his claimed neuropathy. The TDIU claim will also be readjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing and issuance of a statement of the case for certain claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability rating and service connection have been withdrawn.

The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss, effective June 7, 2004. The Veteran's tinnitus was also rated at 10 percent and the effective date assigned is also June 7, 2004.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Veteran's low back disability is not service-connected, as it did not occur during his active duty or National Guard service. His bilateral sciatica and peripheral neuropathy are secondary to his low back disability.,His bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are presumed due to exposure to noise from artillery fire during service.

The Veteran's PTSD and skin disorder were granted initial ratings of 30 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Service connection for bilateral UE mono-neuropathy and weakness/fatigue/joint/muscle pain symptoms was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to address whether his diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, or hypertension require regulation of activities. The issues remain on appeal.