Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran is unable to follow and secure substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II, and associated peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease (CAD) are found to be related to in-service herbicide exposure. The claims for service connection for these conditions are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records. The case will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions has been reopened, but the claims are all denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent evaluation. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's neuropathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 10 percent prior to January 12, 2017.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorders, neurological disorder of the lower extremities (cramps, numbness, radiculopathy), and cervical spine disorder are secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines. The diabetes mellitus, type II disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, while the diabetic neuropathy of the bladder disability has not yet met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD from January 26, 2015 to March 14, 2016 is rated at 70 percent due to significant occupational and social impairment. The Veteran is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for asthma, a heart disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and chest pain/myocardial infarction (MI) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy and sciatic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been denied.,The Board found that the evidence did not show symptoms more nearly approximating a higher rating than 10 percent for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his acquired psychiatric disorder and chronic liver disease, have rendered him unable to work. Effective October 14, 2009, he is granted a TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right ankle arthritis with ligament reconstruction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and a right ankle scar, rendered him unable to dress or undress himself, attend to his personal hygiene, manage his finances or medications, walk, relieve himself without assistance, and protect from hazards. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for painful motion in the Veteran's right thumb, index finger, and long fingers associated with his service-connected right hand scars. The remaining issues have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 40 percent rating for service-connected TBI is denied as there was no pending claim prior to October 12, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran's representative withdrew their appeal in January 2018.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 5, 2012, for the grant of service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities was denied. The Board found that no earlier effective date could be assigned as there were no informal claims or intent to file a claim prior to this date.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 5, 2012, was also denied. The Board determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities and other nonservice-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disability, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to DM. The reasons given were that there was no evidence of continuity of symptomatology or a nexus between the disabilities and service.