Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded to allow for a Social and Industrial Survey, as well as consideration of the assignment of a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has been rated at 20 percent, but no higher, throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's left leg neuropathy and deep venous thrombosis were caused by an event not reasonably foreseeable, resulting in a finding of entitlement to benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for the additional disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including hearing loss and various musculoskeletal conditions. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation for hearing loss or establish service connection for any of the other claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his right arm neuropathy.

The Veteran's combined disability rating was correctly calculated as 80 percent from December 20, 2012 to October 3, 2014. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and reviewing a November 2015 VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 for additional disability resulting from VA surgical treatment in January 1986, which allegedly caused deformity and neuropathy of his left middle finger. The case is being remanded to obtain medical records, informed consent documents, and a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus due to in-service herbicide exposure (Agent Orange) and secondary service-connected erectile dysfunction, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic ulcers. The Veteran appealed this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and a vocational assessment to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board is remanding the case to consider whether an extra-schedular rating for the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left wrist fracture should be granted, taking into account his multiple disabilities including hypertension and left ulnar neuropathy. The VA must also obtain any relevant SSA records and post-service treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and the Board finds that he is capable of sedentary labor.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and an increased rating for his back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee disability and low back injury with paravertebral myositis remain pending before the Board as less than the maximum benefit available was granted in a previous decision.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, which may be related to elevated blood sugar levels prior to separation from active service. Further development including VA examination and obtaining medical records are required.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and erectile dysfunction remain pending before the Board as less than the maximum benefit available was granted in a previous decision. Further development including VA examination is required.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and erectile dysfunction are intertwined with his claim for diabetes mellitus. Further development including VA examination is required.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and erectile dysfunction remain pending before the Board as less than the maximum benefit available was granted in a previous decision. Further development including VA examination is required.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed B-cell CLL and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are not related to his active duty service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the appellant's claimed conditions, including whether they are related to his service in August 1976. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 40% to noncompensable was improper and restored his original 40% rating. The Veteran's right elbow disability is currently rated at 40% under Diagnostic Code 8516 for paralysis of the ulnar nerve.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral knee condition. However, the Veteran's current knee and ankle conditions are not related to her active duty service.