Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities, do not render him unemployable as he is currently employed in substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hepatitis C, low back disability, peripheral neuropathy, ischemic heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that new evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for hepatitis C, and that there was no credible evidence linking these disabilities to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's substantive appeal was timely filed regarding his service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and authorize private medical records, as well as schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records from an outside clinic. The claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as information about the Veteran's time at Camp Lejeune. The claims will be readjudicated based on all received evidence.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy, left ear hearing loss, increased ratings for right upper extremity radiculopathy and PTSD, as well as compensable ratings for tension headaches and right ear hearing loss due to procedural reasons.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for neuropathy of the right lower extremity due to a December 1990 low back surgery was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted. The Veteran's sciatic nerve neuropathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 8720 (sciatic nerve neuralgia).

The Veteran's diabetes and peripheral neuropathy were evaluated, with the Board finding that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 90 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. The VA examiner found that his service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable at this time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current poliomyelitis residuals (lower extremity polyneuropathy) were incurred in service and granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his exposure to herbicides and chemicals at Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining both physical and sedentary employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board denied all service connection claims, including for a neck condition, neuritis associated with shoulder conditions, unspecified bodily injury, unspecified severed nerve condition, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and bone disease/arthritis. The Veteran's service records were reviewed, but no direct or secondary service connection was established.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea pedis and pyoderma of the feet do not warrant a compensable rating. The Board finds no evidence that his peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, or lipomas are related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, peptic ulcer and PTSD have been granted. The effective date of the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease is October 6, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is rated at 30 percent, effective March 15, 2013. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder with neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and examining his cervical spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected Parkinson's disease and any manifestations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD).

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability, including diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy, is not attributable to disease or injury sustained during his period of service. The Veteran's cold weather injury to his feet in Germany was resolved without residuals.