Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been granted a 40% rating effective April 29, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to November 30, 2011.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and mood disorder, is granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is also granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for IgG4 autoimmune disease, increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and right eye corneal scarring, and an earlier effective date for the right eye corneal scarring have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral eye disability (temporary blindness) related to service, and his other claimed disabilities are either not supported by evidence of record or do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all claims.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new VA examination.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right great toe, effective from September 1, 2006.

The Veteran's significant service-connected disabilities, including major depression, prostate carcinoma, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, necessitate regular aid and attendance from another person. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is rated at 40 percent each, which meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records prior to June 2002 and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the severity of his coronary artery disease. The appellant's request for substitution as claimant will also be considered.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and to obtain outstanding medical records. The claims will be readjudicated after all development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pulmonary fibrosis, left and right lower extremity sensorimotor polyneuropathy due to exposure to an herbicide agent is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and vascular dementia are rated at 70 percent, hypertension is not compensable, diabetes mellitus is not service connected due to lack of exposure to herbicides, erectile dysfunction is secondary to hypertension, cardiomyopathy with CAD and peripheral neuropathy of the legs do not meet criteria for service connection, and obstructive sleep apnea does not warrant a rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the request for withdrawal of all remaining claims on appeal.

The Board finds that the Veteran's neuropathy of the left upper extremity is secondary to his service-connected cervical disc disease and loss of use of the right upper extremity. The Veteran meets the criteria for a higher 20 percent rating, but no greater, for his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including those presumed due to in-service radiation exposure, have been denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant, through his representative, has withdrawn this appeal.