Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's ulnar nerve neuropathy of the right hand, status post ulna nerve release at the wrist with flexion contracture right fifth finger is currently rated 30 percent and the Board finds that it has worsened. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination for an accurate assessment.

The Veteran's initial claims for increased ratings for eye twitch disability, sinus disability, and headache disability have been denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 10% for his headaches from October 24, 2017 onward.

The Board has decided to remand three issues related to the Veteran's claims: malaria, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The decision is based on the need for additional medical records and an addendum opinion regarding diabetic neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was reopened due to new evidence linking the condition to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. Service connection is now granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for diabetes. The claims for loss of pancreas function secondary to diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for left lateral cutaneous nerve neuropathy, and effective dates prior to September 5, 2013 for the grants of service connection for left lateral cutaneous nerve neuropathy, a left groin scar, and a left groin scar status post surgery (painful scar) have all been denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back disability, ischemic heart disease (IHD), atrial fibrillation, and idiopathic chronic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are not service-connected. The case is being sent back for further development.

The Veteran's TDIU application is granted due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including for her hysterectomy claim. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board denied service connection for neuropathy of the left upper and lower extremities, as well as diabetes mellitus. The case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current diagnoses and potential service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been granted. He was previously awarded a 30% rating for PTSD effective July 28, 2011.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including arthritis, left wrist disability, bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, malaria, sleep disorder, hypertension, rashes, diabetes, stroke, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression).

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The Board found that the received evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and associated neuropathies are granted. Tinnitus is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage threshold criteria for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (a), and his claim on that basis is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various foot and leg disabilities, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and an advisory opinion regarding radiation exposure.