Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's hairy cell leukemia and PTSD with dementia are rated at their maximum levels, and additional compensation cannot be granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, left upper extremity neuropathy, and right upper extremity neuropathy are all rated at their maximum levels, and additional compensation cannot be granted for these conditions.,The Veteran is receiving SMC benefits based on the need for a higher level of care.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left lower extremity mononeuropathy, left upper extremity superficial radial sensory neuropathy, tinnitus, hearing loss, a facial scar, and eczema, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his work and educational background since March 29, 2005. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's low back disability with degenerative disc disease and right sciatic neuropathy was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 20 percent.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy of all his extremities, which he claims are related to exposure to herbicides during service. The AOJ needs to verify if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides at Fort McClellan, Alabama from December 1954 to December 1956 and obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all pending claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and a peripheral nerve condition of the hands, paresthesias in his right hand and foot due to fibromyalgia, and tremors due to medication taken for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder. The Veteran is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is directly related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neurological disability of the right leg. The case will be readjudicated following completion of this task.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and reopening of his skin disorder claim due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from performing the physical and/or mental acts required to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; coronary artery disease; and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded to allow for a VA social and industrial survey.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evaluation of diabetic complications and conditions. The Veteran's diabetes claim, including all associated symptoms, needs to be readjudicated.

The Veteran's PTSD rendered him unemployable for the period prior to September 24, 2014. His service-connected PTSD alone prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a grant of service connection. The Veteran's account of in-service stressors is credible, and the medical evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and headaches are all found to be related to his service in Vietnam and exposure to herbicides. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is considered to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II with ED.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish service connection for a neurological disorder of the bilateral upper extremities or peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, as these conditions are not shown to be related to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's neuropathy/radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not attributable to service. The Board also determined that it is less likely than not caused by his service-connected lumbar spine strain with paravertebral spasms.