Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran developed right femoral peripheral neuropathy as a result of the development of a right femoral pseudoaneurysm and infection following a September 2003 cardiac catheterization procedure performed at the VA Medical Center. The Board finds that this event was not reasonably foreseeable, thus meeting the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is service-connected. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of his peripheral neuropathy, osteomyelitis, bilateral feet, kidney condition, and cataracts.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification of the nature and extent of any neurological disability affecting the Veteran's lower extremities, including peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, and/or radiculopathy. The appeal will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, are being remanded due to a lack of a VA examination addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the effective date of service connection, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran is precluded from substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including depression and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including following the directives of 38 C.F.R. � 3.311 and obtaining a VA examination to fully address the remaining theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's claim for an automobile and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only, is denied as the evidence does not show that he has service-connected disabilities manifested by loss of use of one or both feet; loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands; permanent impairment of vision of both eyes with central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye; or ankylosis of the hips or knees.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for an updated opinion considering all service-connected disabilities, including non-service-connected conditions. The examiner must also provide examples of employment the Veteran would be qualified for with his current level of disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic low back disability, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and paraplegia, was not caused or aggravated by service-connected conditions. The current symptoms are not linked to service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including as due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy or left knee disability, and these conditions are not related to service. The claims for service connection for both conditions are denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to pancreatic and colon cancer, which were not service-connected. The appellant did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision may be rendered on the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of February 2, 2010 for the assignment of a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities as it was factually ascertainable that he was unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment at that time.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities have been withdrawn. The remaining issues, including PTSD and TDIU, will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right median nerve neuropathy with motor and sensory dysfunction is currently rated at 40 percent, effective September 25, 2007. The RO granted a compensable evaluation for scars of the right forearm and wrist.