Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric disability (to include PTSD) due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's service records indicate he served on board USS Enterprise but not in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee joint pain, including neuropathy, and limited motion of the left ankle, including neuropathy. The evidence did not establish a current disability or medical relationship to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for frostbite residuals of the ears and feet, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to DM, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to DM, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to DM, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to DM have all been denied.,The Veteran did not provide evidence of current disabilities for any of the conditions he claimed were related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy, sleep apnea, and PTSD. The issues of service connection and TDIU are also being addressed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased evaluations and service connection, except for the claim seeking to reopen a claim for glaucoma (also claimed as cataracts). The other claims have been dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Board denied earlier effective dates and increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including diabetic nephropathy, PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy. The claim was not granted as there was no evidence of an intent to file a claim prior to March 14, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional evidence. The Veteran's reported stressor of a rocket attack on an air traffic control tower in Da Nang is under review, as are his diagnoses of PTSD, depressive disorder, congestive heart failure, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination for the Veteran's lumbar spine and left lower extremity disabilities, as well as an opinion regarding his erectile dysfunction. The claims are being remanded to allow for these examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for dyslipidemia and has remanded the remaining issues related to spine conditions, joint disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, GERD, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary due to the need for an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peroneal nerve neuropathy and whether it is related to her service-connected right hip disability. The appeal period was also clarified.

The Board has denied the Appellant's request for an effective date prior to May 4, 2007 for ALS and related disabilities.,However, the Board has granted a higher initial rating of 100% for ALS as of November 18, 2008.

The Veteran's 100% evaluation for adenocarcinoma of the prostate has been restored from June 1, 2013. The TDIU claim is remanded due to receipt of additional VA examination reports and treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include service connection for various conditions, including headaches, shortness of breath, heart condition, hypertension, kidney condition, diabetes mellitus, vision condition, neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to Agent Orange, as they are not certain of his exposure in Korea. The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and related peripheral neuropathy, as well as other conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol abuse resulted in a 70% rating since November 30, 2009. The Board also granted remand for further evaluation of other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy, increased rating for lumbar spine disability, and entitlement to special monthly compensation on and after May 1, 2010; and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his peripheral neuropathy disabilities and TDIU were remanded due to insufficient evidence. The right hand, left hand, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are all rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been granted service connection. Service connection for fibromyalgia, acid reflux, and other conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no new and material evidence submitted to reopen the claims, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that any claimed conditions were related to his military service.