Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability. The case is being returned for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for disability benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied as there is no evidence of fault on the part of VA or unforeseeable events that caused an increase in his left ulnar neuropathy.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, COPD and hypertension are presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for service connection are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities associated with diabetes mellitus are denied as there is no evidence that these conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine its etiology, as the current medical evidence does not provide a clear answer regarding whether it is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were not found to warrant higher initial ratings based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a new VA opinion on the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative joint disease and disc disease, status post microdiscectomy/fusion with left median neuropathy is not service-connected. The RO denied the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a fracture of the right acetabulum and right femoral head, as well as his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's chronic peripheral neuropathy is found to be related to his exposure to herbicides during service, specifically Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for hemorrhoids, denied all other claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, residuals of a stroke, and hypertension. The remaining issues have been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and he is granted a TDIU effective September 5, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his diagnosed PVD, peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The VA will obtain relevant medical records, provide supplemental opinions regarding service connection and exposure, and consider the Veteran's credible history of post-service noise protection use.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, retinopathy, hypertension, edema of the legs and feet, renal failure, neuropathy of the lower extremities, and neuropathy of the upper extremities have all been denied. The appeals are based on secondary service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for further development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and determining the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee and shoulder disabilities, and right hand neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his multiple myeloma, respiratory disability, bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Baptist Medical Center Hospital from September 25-29, 2009 were denied as the emergency treatment was not provided in a hospital emergency department or similar facility providing emergency care.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine which nerves are affected and reassess his current symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II with nephropathy, have been linked to several of his current conditions. The Board has granted secondary service connection for these conditions.