Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's daughter, B. D., was not permanently incapable of self-support prior to her 18th birthday due to a physical or mental condition.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and did not reopen the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral lower extremities disability, peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, and osteoarthritis of bilateral feet, knees, and hips were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions are less likely than not related to cold weather exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left upper extremities have symptoms of incomplete paralysis, but do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable rating code.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to address the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neurologic disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including those related to herbicide exposure, are being considered based on the submission of new and material evidence. The decision is mixed as some claims have been reopened while others remain denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected multiple myeloma did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound due to his nonservice-connected conditions, such as dementia and COPD. Therefore, SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his service-connected upper extremity disabilities. The AOJ must also refer the matter of entitlement to an extraschedular rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) for the time period prior to November 27, 2006, and issue a statement of the case on the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 27, 2006, for entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience, warranting a TDIU for accrued benefit purposes.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all three issues, resulting in the dismissal of these cases.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to an effective date prior to December 10, 2014 for service connection for right radial nerve neuropathy was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of diabetes mellitus was denied, as the evidence did not show that a higher rating was warranted due to lack of regulation of activities. The Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities was also denied because he does not have a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA social and industrial survey to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is considered service-connected, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and his active duty service. The examiner noted no onset during service and lack of etiological link.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to errors in the request for verification of an airplane crash landing and inadequate addendum opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck, low back, and peripheral neuropathy disorders.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, and other conditions.,The Veteran's IHD is rated at 100% effective from the date of the June 2016 VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened, but the Board found that new and material evidence was not received to substantiate his claims. The PTSD claim resulted in a rating of 50% prior to November 14, 2014, and 70% thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to April 6, 2015.