Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, myelopathy, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to inadequate VA opinions in previous determinations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right leg neuropathy are granted. The left leg neuropathy is granted with increased ratings.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and PTSD. The Veteran was not found to have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions during the appeal period.

An effective date of March 14, 2007 for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for PTSD and depressive disorder is granted.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not shown to have been incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure within a year of separation. Therefore, service connection for peripheral neuropathy is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of his left upper and lower extremities due to Agent Orange exposure. Additional development is required, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records, as well as scheduling a VA neurological examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, secondary to diabetes mellitus, due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2 due to insufficient evidence. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether any psychiatric disorder was caused by service and/or service-connected disabilities, and whether the Veteran's cause of death (including those listed on his death certificate) was due to or the result of any disease or injury incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obesity is denied as a matter of law.,His claim for an increased evaluation for left inguinal hernia remains remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes, did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. The decision on the merits will be reviewed.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability for at least eight years prior, thus denying Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits at the enhanced rate.

The Board denied service connection for back disability, skin disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is rated at 40 percent since December 31, 2013. Separate ratings of 20 percent are assigned for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the right and left lower extremities. The Veteran's PTSD is not rated higher than 70 percent.

The Veteran's heart disability, specifically ventricular arrhythmia, is granted as service connected. The claims for hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy are dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity. Service connection for anxiety was denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's left hand conditions, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right elbow condition.

The claim for service connection for a low back disability is reopened and granted.,The claim for service connection for a left foot/ankle disability remains denied as no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, tension headaches, idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, and memory loss. These conditions are believed to be related to injuries sustained during active duty.