Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to August 31, 2016 and increased to 30 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity has not met criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, eye condition, chronic liver disease, neurological conditions (including encephalopathy), Bell's palsy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The VA medical opinion is requested to determine if these conditions are etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the face and extremities has been reopened, and his PTSD has been granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent. The other issues have not yet been decided.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy lower extremities due to incomplete investigation into potential Agent Orange exposure during the Veteran's time in Korea.

The Veteran's disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities were restored to 40 percent effective March 1, 2015.

The Veteran's right and left knee braces, used to treat service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, are granted an annual clothing allowance for 2017. The use of THERA-GESIC cream is denied as it does not cause irreparable damage to outer garments.

The Veteran's cataracts are not related to service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's current hypertension is not at least as likely as not caused by in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II.,Obstructive sleep apnea is denied as the evidence does not support a connection with service.,Hypertension is denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis and no continuity of symptomatology.,High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) is considered a laboratory finding and not a current disability for VA purposes.,A stomach condition other than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diverticulitis and diverticulosis is denied as there is no evidence of such a condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for various conditions, including neuropathy of the femoral nerve and sciatic nerves, sebaceous cysts, and liver cysts, were denied. The Veteran was granted a higher rating for his low back disorder from February 24, 2009 to April 23, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

This decision grants service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU, but denies an increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70%.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating for PTSD due to his ability to maintain social relationships with family and fellow veterans despite his symptoms.

The Board has denied service connection for bladder condition, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities due to lack of current disability. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran is unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, degenerative arthritis of the knees, hypertension, obesity, IVDS with secondary obesity, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The Board has granted a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability prior to September 14, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of various lower and upper extremity disorders, as well as a left shoulder disorder, to allow for additional development. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is found to be at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, bladder cancer, and peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure. The cases are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's right knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and depression have been reopened. The remaining claims are remanded for further review.

The Board has denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and dismissed claims for sleep apnea, hypertension. The Veteran's appeals of other issues have been withdrawn.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the issues of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, including as secondary to service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the severance of service connection for PVD was proper, and granted an effective date of June 24, 2013, but no earlier, for the grant of service connection for left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is rated at 30 percent.