Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran had two service-connected disabilities of a common etiology that had a combined rating of 60 percent disabling and was unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 1, 2018. The Board found that the criteria for entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 1, 2018 have been met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower neuropathy due to a lack of medical evidence supporting these diagnoses. The Veteran is required to provide any relevant private medical records, and VA will obtain any outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 10, 2015 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and a respiratory disability to include COPD are remanded due to lack of adequate development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, headaches, and peripheral neuropathy have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete or insufficient evidence, including a need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his Gulf War Syndrome and related conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for left upper extremity neuropathy was denied as the evidence did not demonstrate 'complete' paralysis, and the current evaluation adequately reflects his symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for neck disability, right hip disability, and neuropathy. Service connection was granted for acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety) as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issue of TDIU prior to November 2011 due to insufficient evidence regarding the impact of service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's ability to work during that period. A new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the medical evidence does not support a finding that his service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU for periods from September 1, 2014 through April 21, 2015, and from June 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016 due to her service-connected disabilities making it impossible for the average person to follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for colon cancer is denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service or due to any in-service exposure.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied as it did not begin during service and there is no evidence linking it to service, including Agent Orange exposure.,The Veteran's skin disease is presumed to be caused by his service in Vietnam, but the evidence does not support a finding that it began during service or was otherwise caused by such service.,Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service, including Agent Orange exposure. The condition did not manifest within one year of presumed exposure.,The Veteran's back disability is not linked to his service and the evidence does not support a finding that it began during service or was otherwise caused by such service.,Service connection for a mental disorder is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), diabetic neuropathy of the left hand, right hand, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity due to in-service herbicide agent exposure. The Regional Office should obtain any outstanding service treatment records, military personnel records, and post-service treatment records for the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claims were dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claims at this time.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, which may be related to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient medical opinions and the need for additional examination. The issues include right elbow, left knee, and right knee conditions; PTSD; sleep apnea; hypertension; gastrointestinal condition; acid reflux; erectile dysfunction; neuropathy; diabetes mellitus; and heart condition.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary due to the need for further examination and review of records, particularly regarding whether the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no service connection issues were decided.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right ulnar neuropathy disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for early-onset peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected disabilities, including difficulty swallowing due to Parkinson’s disease and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.