Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and hypertension as secondary to his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims, and the VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's conditions were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, finding that there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The Board also found that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides in Thailand, which would have allowed for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations and the provision of an addendum to his September 2014 medical opinion.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for permanent disequilibrium and service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for these benefits.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of the currently assigned disability ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for large vessel disease, claimed as coronary artery disease, has been reopened. The RO granted a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD from November 22, 2010 and denied all other claims.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 4, 2013.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been rated at 20 percent prior to September 19, 2013, and 20 percent on and after that date. The Veteran is also entitled to a staged rating for this disability.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen claims for right and left knee disabilities or vision problems secondary to MS.,The Veteran's memory problems are considered as secondary to his service-connected multiple sclerosis (MS).,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is rated at 20 percent each, effective March 4, 2013.,The Veteran's chronic fatigue is currently rated at 10 percent, effective March 4, 2013.,The reduction in the initial rating for seizures from 20 to 10 percent was proper and supported by evidence of record.,The Veteran's left lower leg sensory paresthesias are rated at 20 percent, effective March 4, 2013.,The Veteran's service-connected MS is considered the primary cause for his seizures.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before a decision can be reached on the merits of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and his claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds no evidence of loss of use or amputation that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, characterized by herniated discs and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities, has been rated at 60 percent since November 1995. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and a TDIU. The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain SSA records, service personnel records, and VA examinations for the ear disability, head trauma, and human bite claims. Additionally, a VA examination is required to address the left shoulder disorder and cervical spine disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment, and thus denies his claim for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for independent living services under Chapter 31 of Title 38, U.S.C., due to his current service-connected conditions and lack of feasibility in achieving a vocational goal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and consideration due to the need for a combined effects opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus, have rendered him unemployable due to his mental health condition.

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant and his authorized representative, thus dismissing the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration due to issues regarding the Veteran's employability based on his service-connected disabilities. The appeal is now with the AOJ.