Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Board finds that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Peripheral Neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's in-service cold exposure likely contributed to these conditions.,However, the cause of death was determined not to be related to service-connected PTSD. The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death was due to coronary artery disease (CAD) and congestive heart failure (CHF), which were not service-connected.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and TDIU, but denied his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The case is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to military service or aggravated by PTSD.

The Veteran's lichen planus is rated at 60 percent, and his demyelinating polyneuropathy of the left upper extremity and left lower extremity are both rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's depression is rated at 50 percent prior to November 16, 2016, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter. A TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the etiology of bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's service records show he served in Vietnam and reported symptoms related to his legs and feet.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, stating that he is satisfied with the recent rating/award letter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ulnar neuropathy manifested during his military service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of decision. The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer with impotence are rated at 40 percent, effective from August 25, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left wrists, now diagnosed as bilateral ulnar neuropathy, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to April 15, 2015, or in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being submitted after a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The claims for service connection will be readjudicated in light of all the evidence, including the new articles and private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is not related to his service, including herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board affirms the grant of service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that there is medical evidence establishing a link between the Veteran's current condition and exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has granted increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, effective January 16, 2015. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The other issues regarding increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and extent of his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus, type II, as well as any erectile dysfunction. The TDIU issue remains inextricably intertwined with the rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) is rated at 30 percent, and he has been granted TDIU effective April 4, 2013. His other service-connected conditions are not separately rated as they do not meet the criteria for a separate rating under VA regulations.