Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his Naval Reserve records and verifying his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, headaches, and TDIU. The Veteran's exposure at Camp Lejeune is considered in these determinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy were not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and ensuring all relevant medical providers are contacted.

The Veteran's service connection claims are granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, and other conditions. The appeal is based on new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic renal disease associated with diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left lower leg femoral-saphenous neuropathy resulted in moderate incomplete paralysis, warranting a 20% rating. The Board found the evidence did not support an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for adenocarcinoma with unknown primary and metastasis to the liver, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's surgery for right ulnar nerve decompression with subcutaneous transposition on September 8, 2008 necessitated at least three months of convalescence and resulted in the necessity for continued use of a hand cast. The Board has granted a temporary total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 from September 8, 2008 to December 7, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, prostate cancer, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities have rendered him unemployable. The Board granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) effective April 1, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his diabetes with peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy, require daily aid and assistance. The need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and right leg neuropathy are not service-connected.,Service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no evidence of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities is etiologically related to service, specifically his exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for overuse syndrome of the upper extremities, obstructive sleep apnea, and peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability or a causal relationship between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, left lower extremity, right upper extremity, left upper extremity, and neck is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's left lower extremity disability was rated at 20 percent prior to February 25, 2015 and increased to 40 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period of time.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's current symptoms are attributed to his already service-connected allergic rhinitis, and there is no diagnosis with respiratory illness or condition related to his difficulty breathing complaints in service.