Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Board denied ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a supplemental opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's neuropathies in his hands and his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, a heart disability, and a bilateral shoulder disability. The evidence does not support finding that these conditions are related to his military service.,Service treatment records do not show any diagnosis of diabetes or its complications during service. The September 2015 VA examiner opined it would be speculative to determine if the Veteran's current diabetes is caused by his service-connected pancreatitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II and its related complications. The Veteran's other claims are also supported by the evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death, as they have become moot.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain VA treatment records, arrange for appropriate medical opinions and examinations, and otherwise ensure a complete record before proceeding with the adjudication of the Veteran's claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran's cardiac disability and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are not related to his active service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, arthritis of the right knee and leg, and bilateral flat feet. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board is remanding the case for a new VA opinion to determine if the Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals and/or bilateral extremity peripheral neuropathy contributed to or caused his death from an ischemic stroke.

The Veteran's claims for increased prostate cancer and service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the extremities, and carpal tunnel syndrome have been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding of service connection based on exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed depressive disorder, NOS had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board denied service connection for low back arthritis and peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The Veteran's left leg neuropathy was not presumed due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, is rated at 30 percent since August 18, 2016. The Veteran's mild peripheral neuropathy of the medial plantar nerve in both lower extremities and migraine headaches are all rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's combined rating is 50 percent, and the Board finds that his service-connected disabilities alone are enough to prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Therefore, the claim for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted presumptive service connection for conditions due to exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange.

The Veteran is entitled to a rating of 20 percent for diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity prior to April 11, 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have any currently diagnosed residuals of gallbladder removal and denied his claim for service connection. The claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and lower extremities were also denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.