Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Board denied service connection for B-cell CLL and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during service.,Service connection could not be established as the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and had no documented exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent from December 20, 2007 to September 3, 2009, and a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter, for service-connected residuals of left arm laceration with left ulnar neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for residuals of a puncture wound to the right leg and peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity has been denied. The preponderance of evidence does not support granting a compensable rating prior to June 17, 2016 or any rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter.

The Veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, which he attributes to exposure to contaminated water at Camp LeJeune. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address this claim based on exposure to contaminants in the Camp Lejeune water supply.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to April 26, 2014 or May 23, 2008.,An effective date of September 11, 2000 was granted for service connection of left ulnar neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and colon nodules, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the threshold criteria for TDIU, and his education, special training, and employment history are considered. The Board finds that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence as to whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for various types of peripheral neuropathy are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his hypertension and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on housebound status beyond December 1, 2012. He has a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent due to diabetes mellitus and its associated conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, neuropathy of the left leg, and a left knee disability. The reasons are provided in the decision summary.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and he was granted service connection for this condition. The issue of TDIU has also been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records from Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's claims, including clarification of medical expenses and a determination of whether he required aid and attendance prior to his stroke.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for otitis media and service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, GERD, erectile dysfunction, renal failure, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and TDIU. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing. The issues on appeal are related to service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetic nephropathy, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and job skills. The Board granted entitlement to a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to be related to his military service. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy due to cold injury in service, which is considered as part of the same claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims, including the submission of new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy in the median nerve of both upper extremities have been granted, with a rating of 50 percent for the right (major) upper extremity and 40 percent for the left (minor) upper extremity effective December 13, 2004.,The Veteran's service connection theory is 'direct', meaning that the condition was determined to be related to his active duty without relying on a presumption or secondary service connection.