Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

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

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied. The claim to reopen was also denied, as the new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy are granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicides during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to October 22, 2013.

The Veteran seeks TDIU and DEA prior to May 6, 2003. The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU but may warrant extraschedular consideration due to unemployability. The claim is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have any of the claimed conditions incurred in or aggravated by service, and therefore denied all claims.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of whether extraschedular TDIU should be granted.

The appellant's representative has withdrawn the appeal regarding all issues listed on the cover page of this decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and related peripheral neuropathy are being remanded for additional development, including an updated examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is found to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy are not shown to meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a cold weather injury to the Veteran's hands and feet during service, and thus service connection for residuals of such an injury cannot be granted.

The Veteran's heart disease, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), is not service-connected as it was not diagnosed during or within one year after military service.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has been established for evaluation purposes.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board denied a higher rating as his diabetes does not require regulation of activities.,The Veteran has been granted specially adapted housing due to permanent and total service-connected disability resulting from loss of use of both lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, including due to herbicide agent exposure, is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations. The TDIU issue is also inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board finds that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of bilateral feet is related to his service, including as due to exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence is in equipoise regarding this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed peripheral neuropathy.