Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD), prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, squamous cell carcinoma, bilateral upper extremity and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has been granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral vision disorder is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities were denied as there is no evidence of complete paralysis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and sleep apnea are found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD.,Bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy is found to be related to the Veteran's diabetes, which developed after his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy was incurred during service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hammertoes, calluses of the feet, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine due to a fall during VA medical treatment. The right shoulder disorder is also granted as a result of the same incident.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and cataracts, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 14, 2011. The Board grants entitlement to TDIU from that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower extremities is being remanded due to a need for additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities or kidney disorder. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has been manifested by no worse than moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, and his claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination regarding his service connection claim for a back disability. The case will be remanded to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's TBI, right upper extremity neuropathy, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities are all found to be related to his service.,His right knee disorder is also found to be related to his service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral foot disability, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and a psychiatric disability. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected gunshot wounds.

The Veteran's neuropathy in the right foot is related to cold weather injuries (frostbite) incurred in service. Service connection for residuals of cold weather injuries of the right foot is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are all service-connected as they were caused or chronically worsened by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's tinnitus is established as service-connected, while his neuropathy and bilateral hearing loss are denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and a depressive disorder) is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable prior to July 7, 2010. His education and experience allow for both physical and sedentary work.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment prior to December 29, 2014.,Since December 29, 2014, the Veteran has experienced significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, which are rated as a combined rating of at least 70 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability and peripheral neuropathy, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or illness related to these conditions. The claim was not granted as the preponderance of the evidence did not support the assertion.