Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and PTSD as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy with glaucoma and cataracts, and other conditions. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination to address the relationship between his service-connected diabetes mellitus and his claimed conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the Appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an adequate etiology opinion regarding the origin of his left ulnar neuropathy, including consideration of his service-connected skin disorder and a February 2001 steroid injection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as the evidence shows moderate incomplete paralysis rather than severe or complete.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the initial ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as his claim for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, and he is granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine, right shoulder, and right elbow disabilities were not incurred in service. The symptoms of degenerative arthritis were not chronic in service or manifested within one year of separation.

The Board has remanded the appeals for additional development due to the Veteran's failure to appear at scheduled examinations. The appeals are related to his right hand disabilities, including reflex sympathetic dystrophy and associated neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities has been denied as there is no current disability found.

The Veteran's service connection claims for basal cell carcinoma, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma was related to sun exposure during his military service in Vietnam. For the other conditions, the evidence did not support a direct relationship with service.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been rated at 20 percent for the entire period on appeal, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8521.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy contributed to his fall from the deer stand, leading to injuries that caused his death. The Board has determined this meets the criteria for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has been rated as moderately severe, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8620.

The Board denied increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes and a 10 percent rating for each type of peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, and erectile dysfunction are granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to his service in Vietnam and exposure to herbicide agents. The TDIU claim will also be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, Type II, was denied as the evidence did not show that regulation of activities were necessary to control his condition.