Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that additional examinations are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's eye disability, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's neurocognitive disorder is granted as service-connected, and he receives a separate 20% rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. Other claims are denied.

The Veteran's left knee brace is not service-connected, and he does not use it to treat any of his other service-connected disabilities. The Board finds no eligibility for a clothing allowance due to the left knee brace.,The Veteran uses a manual wheelchair primarily due to severe effects from multiple service-connected conditions including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and neuropathies. The VAMC's decision was incorrect in concluding that the use of the wheelchair is not related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, coronary artery disease (CAD/IHD), erectile dysfunction as secondary to CAD/IHD, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is granted due to exposure to aviation fuel during service, which the VA has determined may cause neurological impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with post-operative residuals of coronary artery bypass surgery, posttraumatic stress disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for peripheral neuropathy was withdrawn prior to a decision.,His bilateral hearing loss is rated as zero percent since June 7, 2012. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating at any point during this period.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records from his Air Force Reserves.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck and right shoulder disabilities due to their potential secondary relationship with his service-connected right foot scar residuals. The VA examination did not adequately address these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 2, 2017.

The Veteran's kidney stone disorder and neuropathy are not service-connected.,Tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating remains pending. The Board has also remanded two issues: service connection for bilateral upper peripheral neuropathy and a higher evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to have caused his peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, which are now granted as secondary.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a stomach condition related to his period of service. The claim for service connection for neuropathy of the right lower extremity will also be remanded, as the examiner's opinion was unclear regarding whether it is secondary to his lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions. The VA examination should assess if any flare-ups have affected the Veteran’s range of motion, pain levels, and functional loss.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's cervical spondylosis and right knee strain. The examiner will need to consider the frequency and length of any incapacitating episodes in the past year.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions. A VA examination should assess if any flare-ups have affected the Veteran’s range of motion, pain levels, and functional loss.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's scar from a hand injury. The examiner will need to consider the frequency and length of any incapacitating episodes in the past year.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions. A VA examination should assess if any flare-ups have affected the Veteran’s range of motion, pain levels, and functional loss.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and neurological disability of the left upper extremity, including carpal tunnel syndrome, as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not show early-onset peripheral neuropathy within one year after presumed exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for obstructive sleep apnea, type II diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to potential exposure to asbestos, biochemical agents, or other factors. The Veteran's service records indicate possible exposure to asbestos in his barracks, which may have contributed to his current conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for diabetes mellitus, right and left upper extremity neuropathy, and TDIU due to new evidence being added to the record. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine his current condition and its relation to service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including amyloid myopathy (also claimed as polymyositis), COPD, foot drop, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and spine disorders. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to address the etiology of these conditions due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. He will be provided with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his respiratory disorder, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain VA examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin condition. The examinations will address whether these conditions are related to service or any other relevant factors.