Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, as well as PTSD. The claims for hypertension and ED secondary to PTSD are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for amputation of all toes in both feet and peripheral neuropathy in both feet, attributing these conditions to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Board found that the Veteran's conditions were more likely due to alcohol abuse than to his service or exposure to contaminated water.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection for cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure as secondary to diabetes mellitus is granted. Service connection for polyps is denied. The initial increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II remains at 20 percent, with no change in the effective date. Claims for peripheral neuropathy are not reopened.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and lack of consideration of certain theories of service connection, particularly regarding herbicide exposure. The Veteran's low back condition and peripheral neuropathy are being reviewed for possible connections to military service.

The Board denied service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or herbicide exposure. The Veteran's knee replacements were not found to aggravate his nerve condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, hyperglycemia (also claimed as pre-diabetes), and chronic kidney disease due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The evidence did not show current diagnoses or a causal link between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus to include as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is remanded due to lack of a VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and remanded the issue of service connection for headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for renal cell carcinoma, acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, and tooth loss claimed as due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure or a nexus between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 17, 2015, for special monthly compensation based on housebound status is denied as the minimum requirements for such compensation were not met prior to that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his inability to prove permanent and total disability, as well as other functional limitations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records from Missouri Correctional facilities and VA treatment records prior to December 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are related to his service-connected thyroid condition. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disabilities. The claims for bilateral wrist disability, breathing disability (including allergic rhinitis and sinusitis), vision loss disability, cervical spine disability, dizziness, sleep disability, degenerative arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, lower extremities, elbow disability, scoliosis, and traumatic brain injury are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation and specially adapted housing due to inadequate development of evidence related to his service-connected conditions.