Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need to clarify his current service-connected disabilities, obtain updated VA treatment records, and schedule him for a Social and Industrial Survey.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the feet, restless leg syndrome, prostate cancer, and hypertension. The claims are being remanded to obtain updated medical records and a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability was denied. However, he received separate ratings of 30 percent and 20 percent for neuropathy in the right and left upper extremities associated with his cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected conditions, including diabetes mellitus. The case will be reviewed again with a medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, effective from May 27, 2009. The claims for service connection for bilateral knee pain and hypertension have been reopened due to new evidence received since the final denial of these claims in November 1979 and December 1999 respectively.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, as well as for a determination on whether he was exposed to such agents. The appellant contends that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides due to refueling aircraft returning from Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and right leg disorder. The issues include service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted, and he is now considered unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence to establish a link between his military service and this condition. The claims for peripheral neuropathy and hypertension remain pending as new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 80 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction are not related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for another VA examination to assess the severity of the service-connected bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be related to service or herbicide exposure. His PTSD claim was not substantiated by evidence of a diagnosed condition. Bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was found to be etiologically related to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was withdrawn.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in her left upper extremity, right upper extremity, left lower extremity, or right lower extremity.,For the entire period of appeal, the criteria for the assignment of a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD are not met.,For the entire period of appeal, the criteria for entitlement to an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, have not been met.

Prior to January 28, 2011, the Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were not shown to warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent. From January 28, 2011, they are rated at 20 percent.

The Board found that the appellant's additional disabilities, including cervical spine radiculopathy and psychiatric disorders, were not caused by VA carelessness or negligence. The surgeries performed did not result in these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left forearm and right ankle disorders were denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities, prior to February 1, 2011, prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in the record and specific questions regarding the nature and likely etiology of the claimed cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right elbow disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his service-connected multiple sclerosis and related urinary incontinence, have rendered him helpless as he requires regular aid and attendance due to physical disabilities such as balance issues, coordination problems, and difficulty with daily activities.