Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's need for higher level of aid and attendance is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate under Section 1114(r) due to lack of anatomical loss or use, blindness, or significant disabilities exceeding the requirements for any of the rates prescribed in this section.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy of the extremities, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II due to insufficient examination of diabetic retinopathy and dental conditions. The Veteran needs new examinations to assess current severity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD and CAD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, but denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, residuals of a stroke, OSA, neuropathy, gastrointestinal disorder, and hiatal hernia. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as sleep apnea. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination to address the etiology of any current sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for presbyopia, diabetes mellitus, and a chronic disability manifested by lost sensation in the feet and fingers other than peripheral vascular disease are denied. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD with depression from July 8, 2014 to August 11, 2014 is granted.

The Veteran's back condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy are granted as secondary to service-connected left ankle DJD. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's loss of proprioception, including whether it is related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus and degenerative arthritis of the first metatarso-phalangeal joints. The decision will be based on a determination of whether these conditions aggravate or cause the Veteran's current condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including adjustment disorder, lumbar spine disability, thoracic spine disability, urethral stricture, and ischemic optic neuropathy, are of sufficient severity to warrant entitlement to aid and attendance at the level described by 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1).

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and immune system problems due to exposure to Mustard Gas and/or Gulf War Environmental Hazard. The Veteran's service connection claim is being reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU from February 17, 2012. From that date, his service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to non-compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's surviving spouse is being provided another opportunity for the claims file to be updated and any necessary medical opinions obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further medical opinions regarding the etiology of various disabilities, including cardiac disability, shoulder and ankle disabilities, hearing loss, tinnitus, kidney disability, peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (diabetes mellitus II, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and posttraumatic stress disorder) require regular aid and attendance. However, he is not substantially confined to his dwelling.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated as 10 percent prior to May 30, 2015 and 20 percent thereafter. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to a lack of recent VA examination and incomplete information from the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right leg neuropathy, finding that it did not arise in or within a year of his separation from active duty and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.