Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that it is related to the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension was not manifested by diastolic readings predominantly 110 or more or systolic readings predominantly 200 or more prior to June 8, 2013. Therefore, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board has ordered additional development for the appellant's claims, including obtaining missing medical records and providing another VA examination to assess her right knee disability. The case is now being remanded to ensure all required development is completed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, have rendered him unemployable for substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy are presumed incurred in service as a result of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II and TDIU was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal for TDIU.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and proteinuria was granted an initial disability rating of 60 percent effective August 5, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and medical opinions regarding service connection claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for right leg neuropathy, but additional development is needed to determine if it was incurred in service or related to any exposure. The Veteran's claims are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and to obtain any relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II and bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for metabolic disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy or other peripheral nerve disorder of the bilateral lower extremities have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes and peripheral neuropathy were granted, with the diabetes receiving a higher rating. The lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy was also granted but at a lower rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy) preclude him from obtaining substantial gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current left upper extremity neurological condition is related to his 2004 stroke.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the March 2016 rating decision granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy affecting the bilateral lower extremities, which is now a fully granted issue.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and hypertension are being REMANDED to the AOJ.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension is being reopened due to new evidence received since the March 2010 rating decision. The AOJ should locate the prior denial decision and associate it with the record before readjudicating the matter.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and a disability of both lower extremities (other than peripheral neuropathy) are being REMANDED to the AOJ. The AOJ should obtain VA treatment records related to these conditions.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension is being REMANDED to the AOJ. The AOJ should locate outstanding VA treatment records and arrange for a VA examination with nexus opinion to determine the likely etiology of his current hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, and for a new examination to address the etiology of any diagnosed conditions in the upper extremities. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, heart disorder, and arthritis were denied as they are not related to service or a service-connected disability. The exposure basis was not applicable due to lack of in-service Vietnam service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed right hip piriformis syndrome, right leg neuropathy, right shoulder strain and AC joint arthritis, as well as his right wrist/arm disorder (carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, right arm neuropathy).