Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is found to be as likely as not preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and thus he is granted a TDIU effective November 15, 2010. The issue of hypertension remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD was denied.,Service connection for left ulnar neuropathy, previously denied due to lack of evidence of current disability at the time of the April 1971 decision, was granted with an effective date of August 14, 1969.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is denied as there is no current evidence of such a condition.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 80%, meeting the threshold percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, despite this, VA medical opinions indicate that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, a left arm scar, obstructive sleep apnea, and blurred vision are all granted.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are supported by competent medical evidence, and the causal relationship between his service-connected diabetes mellitus and PTSD is established.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetic nephropathy, neurogenic bladder, hypertensive heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral hands and lower extremities, and type II diabetes mellitus with nonproliferative retinopathy, cataracts, onychomycosis, and impotence, require regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, kidney disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), alcohol abuse disorder, acid reflux, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding exposure to Camp Lejeune and environmental toxins.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and a kidney disorder are all being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding in-service psychiatric treatment records and diagnoses.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for alcohol abuse disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding the relationship between his alcohol use and any diagnosed mental health conditions.,The Veteran's claim for acid reflux is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of either upper or lower extremity, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal issues, eye problems, and gastrointestinal issues. The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are necessary to address the nature and etiology of these claims.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus have also been remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's conditions, including diabetes and its related complications, are not service connected. The Board denied the claims for service connection based on lack of evidence showing onset or causation in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's achievement of a vocational goal as a social worker is not reasonably feasible due to his felony conviction, and therefore denied his claim for additional vocational rehabilitation and education benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status, nor does she meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions and treatment records, as well as to complete VA examinations for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The claim for TDIU was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar neuropathy, as well as his requests for earlier effective dates and TDIU. The disability was rated at 10 percent prior to December 18, 2006, and at 30 percent beginning that date.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus granted.,COPD is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure and is therefore granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding these conditions. Service connection was denied for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to incomplete development.