Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the awards granted in May 2017, resulting in a 100 percent rating and effective dates for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his diabetes mellitus was denied, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's upper extremity neuropathy, specifically the right and left median nerves, is currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as these conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.,Service connection was previously denied for ischemic optic neuropathy due to lack of evidence linking it to herbicide or radiation exposure. The claim has been withdrawn.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are rated at 40 percent each, effective August 10, 2016.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 40 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen any of the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's CIDP and CAD are found to be the result of his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities (claimed as frostbite), spine disability, chronic myeloid leukemia, skin cancer, leukocytosis, and lung condition. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability manifested by diarrhea is granted service connection. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and back/neck disabilities due to presumed exposure to herbicides is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for heel numbness, also claimed as peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's exposure to chemical and biological agents during service is considered, and it is concluded that his current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy is more likely related to exposure to these agents than to other factors.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, as his previous opinions were inadequate. The Veteran asserts that his condition began in Vietnam and is related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hypertension with heart involvement, and renal insufficiency required treatment including insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities from October 14, 2004 to September 12, 2008. A higher rating is not warranted during this period.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic injury of inferior alveolar nerve (claimed as trigeminal neuropathy) is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability level.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure all relevant evidence is considered before deciding the Veteran's claims. This includes obtaining private treatment records from specific providers and considering whether staged ratings are appropriate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, chalazion of the left eyelid, chronic sinusitis, and gout of the right foot. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and her military service.

The Veteran's death was not due to service-connected conditions, and the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 were not met.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for RLE and LLE neuropathy, as well as LUE and RUE peripheral neuropathy. The evidence does not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is found to preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in a TDIU.