Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his painful left wrist scar and residuals of a left forearm fracture to include peripheral neuropathy were denied as the symptoms do not warrant higher schedular ratings.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, immune system disorder with mixed connective tissue disorder, lupus erythematous, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension and peripheral neuropathy are not presumed to be related to his military service or herbicide exposure.,Service connection for these conditions is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that they were incurred during service or due to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied reopening of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, but granted service connection for bilateral ulnar neuropathy (CTS or CTS) as the Veteran currently has a disability manifested by the same symptoms of bilateral hand pain and decreased dexterity that were manifested during service. The other issues remained in denial.

The Board has determined that the decision to resume VA disability compensation benefits, effective December 1, 2008, was correct as the Veteran provided a valid current address.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed autonomic neuropathy is caused by his service-connected diabetes, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition on a secondary basis. The issue of emphysema remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the left foot neuropathy was not present until multiple years after service, and is not otherwise related to service. For the knees and back, the criteria for higher ratings have not been met.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for further development of his TBI residuals, including sleep apnea and sensory neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to secure all relevant medical records and to readjudicate his claims of a rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus, as well as the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since January 1, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and needs further development before a final decision can be made on the service connection claim for left ankle disorder.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The gastrointestinal condition and keloids on the chest are not found to be related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied reopening of service connection for right leg peripheral neuropathy and right leg disorder due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran withdrew the appeal regarding right leg peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be at least as likely as not related to active service, and the claim for service connection for this condition is granted. The claims for bilateral eye disability and right knee disability are remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to service and have denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed peripheral neuropathy, including whether it is related to his service in Vietnam and any other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed nerve disorder of the feet and lower extremities, arm and hand injury, skin condition (shingles, eczema, or dermatitis), or bilateral eye disability (temporary blindness) due to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is found to be due to herbicide exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and avascular necrosis of the right hip are also granted as secondary to herbicide exposure.