Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50% for left upper extremity neuropathy, or in excess of 40% for right upper extremity neuropathy. For left and right lower extremities, ratings in excess of 40% were also denied prior to April 25, 2017, but a rating of 60% was granted as of that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU and it is unlikely that he can secure and follow substantial gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities. The appeal regarding higher ratings for gout, low back disability, right knee disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and urinary frequency are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete information regarding exposure to toxic chemicals and herbicide agents. The Veteran's left fibula disability, CLL, GVHD of the lips, diabetes, and neuropathy of both feet are all under review.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and hypertension is denied. The claim for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and major depressive) is remanded.,The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the claims for service connection being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's diagnosis of diabetes.

The Board has remanded the reduction of disability ratings for various conditions, including IVDS and DDD, lumbar spine with erectile dysfunction; bladder incontinence; bowel incontinence; peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity; and decreased muscle strength right lower extremity. The issues are related to the current severity and manifestations of these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status due to service-connected disabilities, but SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. His skin cancer and peripheral neuropathy of the left, lower extremity are denied due to lack of evidence linking them to herbicide exposure during service. The left knee disability is also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and hearing loss. The Veteran's PTSD is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis in multiple joints to include lumbosacral spine, cervical spine, and bilateral wrists; an eye disability (cataracts); a CVA; chronic kidney disease; hypertension; diabetes mellitus, type II; peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities; peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities; and CAD. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for arthritis in multiple joints.

The Board denied service connection for Diabetes Mellitus and a right foot condition, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded for further development and opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claims, including those related to toxin exposure at Giessen Army Depot in Germany.

The Veteran is granted SMC at the R-1 rate for special aid and attendance prior to October 3, 2017, and SMC at the R-2 rate thereafter. The decision is based on his service-connected disabilities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and a special home adaptation grant are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted service connection. The appeals for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bladder control disability, sleep apnea, and the reopening of claims for neuropathy and chronic fatigue syndrome are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to inadequate or incomplete examinations and further medical examination is needed.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, heart disease, hypertension, fibroadenoma, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, RUE neuropathy, and RLE neuropathy as well as sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for these conditions are remanded.