Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for sensory axonal neuropathy of the right ulnar nerve was denied. However, after further examination and clarification, his condition involving multiple radicular groups (ulnar, median, and musculospiral nerves) was rated at 40 percent effective December 18, 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy did not result from disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his desire to withdraw all remaining issues on appeal, including the effective date for PTSD.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeals for all issues.

The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is not related to his service, and the neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has resolved.,Service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as they are not shown to have been incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral wrist disorder, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions during or since service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities has been granted increased ratings to 40 percent, effective July 16, 2015. The Board also found that a higher rating is not warranted for this period.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and bilateral cataracts cannot be earlier than January 28, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease was also denied.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not productive of a penile deformity, and thus does not warrant an initial compensable evaluation.,Hypothyroidism was diagnosed after service and there is no evidence linking it to service or herbicide exposure. The claim for this condition is denied.,Neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities did not manifest within one year of separation from service, nor is there any evidence linking it to service or herbicide exposure. The claim for this condition is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU were denied. The decision did not address the issues of memory problems or obstructed voiding.

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for left and right lower extremity neuropathy were granted, with the effective date being November 9, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy with cataracts, ischemic heart disease, and memory loss have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and residuals of an optic nerve stroke have been denied as there is no evidence that his conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for the right and left lower extremities, and 70 percent for the optic nerve stroke.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with the effective dates being fixed in accordance with the facts found.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and residuals of a traumatic brain injury have been denied as there is no clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. The Veteran's neurologic disorder was primarily diagnosed as small vessel disease of the head, which does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran meets the threshold criteria for a TDIU under the percentage standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the limitations due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure or a nexus to his claimed conditions.