Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was not caused or aggravated by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA during the chemotherapy treatment he received at VA from March 2009 through September 2009 for his mantle cell lymphoma. Therefore, the claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as left and right knee disabilities, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board also found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus disability is rated at 40 percent effective November 13, 2015. The left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent since February 6, 2015.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine spondylosis, stenosis, disc disease, herniated discs, and neuropathy. The decision is based on the aggravation of a preexisting condition during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or chronic symptoms within one year post-service. The peripheral neuropathy claim was denied due to lack of objective medical findings supporting a current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability and associated neuropathy are not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, entitling him to a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and requesting a medical opinion regarding exposure to chemicals during service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bilateral ulnar neuropathy prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II, is granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus is denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions. The Veteran's tinnitus is assigned the maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as hypertension, were denied. The Board found that while the Veteran has current diagnoses of these conditions, there is no evidence showing their onset during service or within one year after separation, and the weight of the competent, probative evidence does not support a finding of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities and left upper extremity, emphysema, and COPD were not shown to be related to service or any presumptive exposure.,Service connection for asbestosis was denied due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of in-service events, injuries, or diseases related to the Veteran's current diabetes mellitus type II, heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, stroke, stomach disability, amputations, renal disease, and anemia. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as plantar fasciitis of the right and left feet, have been granted increased disability ratings to reflect their current severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability with neuropathy is not related to his military service and is not secondary to a service-connected condition. The preponderance of evidence does not support the claim.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and left leg neuropathy are found to be related to his in-service back problems, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.