Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and whether they are related to service. The claims will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and bilateral peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders, knee and ankle injuries, a muscle disorder, diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an anxiety disorder. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 20 percent. The issue of service connection for a skin disability has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to higher ratings.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues on appeal prior to the Board issuing a final decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was denied as there is no evidence showing it was incurred in or aggravated by service. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, should be remanded due to inconsistencies in the March 2012 VA examination report.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, but denied his other service connection and rating claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded substantially gainful employment prior to January 19, 2012. TDIU was granted for this period.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including service connection and increased ratings. The case is being remanded to the RO due to issues with the certification of certain claims and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with associated alcohol dependence and other service-connected conditions, most nearly approximates the criteria for a 70 percent rating beginning April 13, 2012. The Board granted service connection for neurological disabilities of the upper and lower extremities as secondary to his PTSD and associated alcohol dependence. Service connection was also granted for radiculopathy of the right leg and bilateral CTS, both found to be related to his PTSD and alcohol dependence.

The Veteran's service-connected retinitis pigmentosa, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities have been granted. The Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent rating for each condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for extraschedular consideration due to Johnson v. McDonald, and for TDIU consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sensory polyneuropathy of the right lower extremity warrants a 40 percent disability rating, effective April 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and hypertension were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest possible level (100%) due to total occupational and social impairment. The issues of service connection for erectile dysfunction, coronary heart disease, hypertension, a neurological disability, and peripheral vascular disease are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his left leg disability and sciatica, prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that a TDIU rating is warranted.