Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, left hand disability (including De Quervain's syndrome and ulnar entrapment neuropathy), and back disability are all found to be service-connected as they were caused by his service-connected right wrist and carpal tunnel disabilities.

The Board found that the cause of death, septic shock due to positive blood culture for staphylococcus, was not causally or etiologically related to service or a service-connected disability. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not substantially or materially contribute to the cause of his death.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was not shown to be related to active service or a known clinical diagnosis, and the Board denied his claims.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities was 90 percent on February 3, 2011, and he has at least one disability rated higher than 40 percent. The criteria for a TDIU are met due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression, left and right lower extremity compartment syndrome with peripheral neuropathy, lumbar degenerative joint disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) involving both sciatic nerves, right and left heel retrocalcaneal bursitis, a right eyebrow scar, bilateral leg scars, and erectile dysfunction, are found to be of sufficient severity to require the need for assistance with his activities of daily living. The Board grants SMC based on the regular need for the aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased ratings for labyrinthitis, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, bilateral glaucoma and cataracts (claimed as eye disorder), type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypertension and erectile dysfunction (ED), and coronary artery disease (CAD).

The VA examiners found no evidence of neuropathy in the Veteran's upper or lower extremities, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to PTSD with alcohol abuse, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for headaches is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability, finding that her current condition is not related to her in-service injuries and considering other factors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an opinion regarding whether his hypertension is related to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's heart disability, including as due to herbicide exposure, is service-connected. However, his adjustment disorder with memory loss and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are not found to be related to active duty service or service-connected conditions. His peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is also not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and hypertension was denied as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus (DM). The Board found no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, and thus could not establish a nexus between DM and the claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying specific dates of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA, obtaining VA medical examination in conjunction with the claim, and providing a supplemental medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right elbow conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including secondary to inservice exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence now shows that his current condition is related to his military service and warrants service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, a left knee disability, and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his conditions do not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current ratings for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right wrist, hand and foot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, upper extremities, or skin. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has been granted, with the effective date set at August 30, 2005. The issue of service connection for PTSD remains in appellate status.