Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a sleep disorder, and erectile dysfunction. The VA is directed to obtain any missing service treatment records and schedule the Veteran for appropriate examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 2017.

The Veteran's left groin scar is granted as secondary to her service-connected left knee internal derangement and left femoral neuropathy. The appeal for higher ratings on other conditions remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for TBI, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and migraines. The Veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination addressing the Veteran's symptoms of pain radiating to her ear and neck.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes, diabetic complications (particularly peripheral neuropathy), and shoulder conditions, have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since June 12, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated at 100 percent combined, and the Board finds that these conditions reasonably preclude his participation in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to an inadequate examination report.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a walk-in tub under the HISA program due to lack of medical necessity. The case is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a lack of an examination for early-onset peripheral neuropathy and PTSD, as well as missing VA treatment records.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent disability rating for right and left lower extremity femoral peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms warranted this level of disability based on VA examination findings and medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure, as it requires a medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral feet and hands due to insufficient evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to military service. The Veteran's lay statements about exposure to Agent Orange in service and symptoms within one year of separation have been considered.

The Veteran's claims for service connection or compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for optic neuropathy, headaches, and tremors are granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for periodontal disease is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition. The claim for erectile dysfunction was dismissed due to lack of case or controversy.,Service connection for PTSD and MDD remains at 50 percent, but the Veteran asserts that he deserves a higher rating. The Board finds that a 70 percent rating is warranted from February 27, 2007.,The Veteran's sleep disorder claim was remanded due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner’s opinion regarding causation or aggravation.,Service connection for hypertension remains denied as there is no evidence of secondary service connection. The Veteran's essential hypertension emerged prior to his diabetes diagnosis.,A VA cold weather injury examination and medical opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran has a left hand disorder due to frostbite and service-connected diabetes.,The Veteran’s right hand disorder claim was remanded as there is no evidence of secondary service connection. The Veteran asserts that he has trigger finger, but this condition may be related to his service-connected diabetes.,Service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remains denied due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding causation or aggravation.,Service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was also remanded as there is no evidence of secondary service connection. The Veteran asserts that he has bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, but this condition may be related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's initial rating for left leg peripheral vascular disease status-post femoral bypass surgery is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for diabetes mellitus type II (DM) is denied as he is currently receiving the maximum schedular evaluation and his symptoms do not warrant an increase in disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The Board denied service connection for amebiasis, peripheral neuropathy, right hip disability, arthritis (all joints), and periodontal disease. The claims were remanded for further development in some cases.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, to include as due to herbicide exposure, due to incomplete records and need for a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's death was not related to his service-connected disabilities, and therefore the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is denied. The appellant's entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is also denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating.