Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of left foot navicular stress fractures is granted. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral patellofemoral syndrome, minimal lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and disc bulge L4-5, right hip disability, residuals of a left hip stress fracture, bilateral lower extremity plantar nerve mixed neuropathy, fibromyalgia, left foot hallux valgus, status post bunionectomy and osteotomy, and right foot hallux valgus, status post bunionectomy and osteotomy are all remanded.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether prescribed medications or knee braces used by the Veteran were related to service-connected conditions and caused damage to his outer garments.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD, diabetes mellitus, type II, heart disability, erectile dysfunction, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and sleep apnea have been granted. The appeals are based on presumed exposure to herbicides during service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity are remanded due to new evidence suggesting current diagnoses. The claim for PTSD is also remanded as there may be a connection between his sleep issues and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes and peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity of the conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for bilateral tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, but the issues of low back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and polyneuropathies of fingertips are being remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for eosinophilic myalgia syndrome from 100% to 40% was proper, and denied all other claims. The termination of SMC for aid and attendance was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical and thoracic spine, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, recurrent sinusitis, and diverticulosis have all been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his erectile dysfunction and eye disabilities. The earlier effective date claim for coronary artery disease due to clear and unmistakable error is also pending.

The Veteran's prostate cancer has been rated at 100% since August 2012, and the Board finds he is entitled to a rating of 40% for his service-connected prostate cancer from February 21, 2015.,For his bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy, the Veteran's disability has been rated at 40%, effective since October 29, 2015. The Board finds that he is not entitled to a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for CAD, diabetes mellitus type II, ED, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and cataracts as these conditions are not shown to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of cold weather injuries to the bilateral feet as there is no evidence linking current neurological impairment of the lower extremities, including peripheral neuropathy, to in-service cold weather injuries. The Veteran's current condition was found to be related to diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 12, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II with renal dysfunction, is denied. The Veteran's claim for hypertension, secondary to service-connected diabetes with renal dysfunction, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bladder dysfunction, CAD, diabetes mellitus, Type II) are considered to have contributed substantially or materially to his death from COPD.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, radiculopathy, muscle loss in upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy in lower extremities, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, radiculopathy, muscle loss in upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy in lower extremities, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, hip disorder, diabetes, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's special monthly pension is granted due to his blindness and other physical and mental impairments requiring regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.