Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and potential changes in the Veteran's status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as addendum opinions regarding his acquired psychiatric disorder and dizziness.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, to service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's neuropathy of the feet is not considered secondary to his diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and neuropathy of the feet have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA guidelines.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of headaches, cervical spine disability, and bilateral upper extremities neuropathy as there was no prior claim filed before January 26, 2011.

Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities is granted. An initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher, from July 23, 2007 to March 25, 2010, for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and opinion regarding service connection for a right elbow disability, specifically addressing whether the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was denied due to lack of a timely notice of disagreement. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU prior to December 22, 2010, but the evidence is in equipoise as to whether he has been unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since then.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran did not file a Notice of Appeal within 120 days and did not request reconsideration or vacate with the Board.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied bilateral hand disability was not granted as new and material evidence has not been received.,Moderate left carpal tunnel syndrome and mild ulnar neuropathy at the wrist and elbow were not service-connected, as they did not have their onset during active service or within one year of discharge.

The Board has granted service connection for senile cataracts and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that these conditions are proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including severance of service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type 2. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional medical records and undergo examinations to assess his current disability levels.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any current disabilities related to his claimed conditions and finds insufficient evidence to support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 50 percent prior to August 10, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating during this period. From August 10, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD warranted an increased rating to 70 percent. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU status.

This decision remands several issues including entitlement to a compensable rating for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as anxiety disorder. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.,The effective date for service connection for anxiety disorder is not earlier than September 12, 2011.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been rated based on their current severity. The appeals for increased ratings are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims file is incomplete and requires additional information from her service records, VA treatment records, and private medical providers. The claims are being remanded to ensure a complete record for review.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 25, 2010, for the assignment of a 30 percent rating for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities have been dismissed as there was no timely substantive appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the veteran's symptoms of tingling and numbness in his feet were diagnosed during service and have continued since then.