Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The case is being remanded for further development, including an examination to identify the nerves involved in the Veteran's lower extremity radiculopathy and neuropathy. The temporary total rating following surgery in November 2008 will also be addressed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease of both lower extremities, sinus disorder (allergic rhinitis), asthma, arthritis, intestinal tumors, GERD, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetic neuropathy in all four extremities, migraine headaches, and disability manifested by night sweats are not service connected due to lack of evidence supporting their onset or etiology related to military service.,The Veteran's skin disorders (claimed as acne and skin growths) are service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus type II has been withdrawn.,Service connection is denied for peripheral neuropathy of the left leg and foot due to lack of current disability.

The Board has determined that the VA examiners have not provided adequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The case is therefore being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his exposure to carbon tetrachloride and ionizing radiation during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and a gunshot wound to the left arm, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 8, 2010.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy caused severe, constant pain; severe paresthesias and/or dysesthesias; severe numbness; decreased strength bilaterally; absent deep tendon reflexes; decreased sensation in the lower legs and ankles; absent sensation in the feet and toes; decreased position sense; decreased vibration sense; decreased cold sensation; onychomycosis; discoloration; hairlessness; a wide-based, antalgic gait; feet and leg cramps; unstable balance; prevented him from walking more than 100 yards; and required prescription medication. He had no muscle atrophy.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on secondary to herbicide exposure has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied as there is no evidence that the conditions manifested within one year after his last exposure to herbicides.,Service connection was not granted on a direct basis due to the passage of time between discharge from active service and the objective documentation of the claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for coronary artery disease was denied, and his TDIU claim prior to May 29, 2012, was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and residuals of squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue, as well as his increased disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the June 2017 decisions regarding increased ratings for coronary artery disease and PTSD, as well as service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and TDIU.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is found to be related to his service-connected frostbite residuals.,Service connection for sleep apnea was denied as the evidence does not show that it began in or is otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, preclude his substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that TDIU is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left eye disability, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure in service and concluded that there was insufficient credible evidence linking the current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including TBI, headaches, sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, tremors of the hands, a mid-and-low back disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and bilateral ankle disorders have been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of TBI or other claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for issuance of an SOC regarding earlier effective dates for peripheral neuropathy in multiple extremities. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being deferred pending final disposition of these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral, upper extremities as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and no current diagnoses were found.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU were denied. The maximum schedular rating for residuals of status-post hemorrhoid surgery has been granted, but the Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating. Lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent disabling, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity at 10 percent, and left lower extremity at 10 percent. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.