Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, neuropathy, bronchial asthma, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions during the appeal period.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and vascular dementia. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The claim of service connection for melanoma is denied. The claim of service connection for an eye/vision disability, prostate disability, diabetes mellitus, migraines, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, thyroid disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression), and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has denied service connection for a rash on both hands, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The heart condition claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for type II diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease associated with diabetes mellitus prior to November 4, 2016, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus or a rating in excess of 60 percent for chronic kidney disease associated with diabetes mellitus prior to November 4, 2016. Separate compensable ratings are granted for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hearing loss (claimed as left ear condition), PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, bilateral eye disability (diabetic retinopathy and loss of vision), and sleep disorder with fatigue. The issue of service connection for tinnitus was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities has been rated 10 percent each since August 26, 2010. The Board is remanding to determine if an extraschedular TDIU rating should be granted prior to November 17, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU prior to July 6, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. The claims are now remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and verify the Veteran’s reported exposure at Andersen Air Force Base.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were denied as the criteria for an effective date prior to the dates of his initial claims or diagnoses have not been met.,The effective dates assigned by the RO are considered appropriate based on the evidence of record and VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for sensorineural bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is remanded for diabetes mellitus, type II and its associated peripheral neuropathies.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no further action can be taken on these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, carotid artery disease, and hypertension due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disorder, respiratory disorder (asbestosis), hypertension, kidney disorder, diabetes mellitus, left and right lower extremity disorders, are all denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been denied.,The issue of secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities to diabetes mellitus (DM) is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is being remanded for additional development due to a lack of recent examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disease with sleep apnea is granted, effective June 15, 2005. The effective date of the grant of TDIU is also set at August 15, 2003.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or any presumptive exposure. The Veteran's hearing loss was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.