Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for herniated nucleus pulposus with degenerative disc disease was denied.,Claims for increased ratings for right ulnar neuropathy and left upper extremity neuropathy were also denied prior to August 24, 2016. However, the claims were granted as of that date.

The Veteran's renal cell carcinoma and pulmonary metastasis are etiologically related to his active duty, including herbicide/Agent Orange exposure. The peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is also linked to service, with a presumption of Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives. Further development is needed, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral lower and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted as the condition is found to have onset during service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claims for a skin disorder and peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, depression, asthma, diabetes, and hearing loss, render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for TDIU since July 23, 2010.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was granted a 70 percent rating, but no higher, for the period prior to June 4, 2013. The other issues were remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities due to unresolved issues regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's right and left leg neuropathies are rated at 40 percent each, effective October 17, 2016. The Veteran is also granted Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on the loss of use of both feet due to service-connected bilateral leg neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings in most cases.

The Board has denied service connection for temporary blindness and remanded the issues of service connection for neuropathy of the lower left and right extremities. The Veteran's cataracts are not related to his exposure at Camp Lejeune, but his neuropathy is linked to a B12 deficiency.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to lack of development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development due to conflicting medical records and the need for clarification of past suicidal ideation.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease, but denied all other claims due to lack of evidence supporting exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings of special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) and/or 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2) was denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on his service-connected conditions.

Your claims for service connection are being remanded to allow the VA to obtain any outstanding treatment records and then review your cases again.

Service connection is granted for peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and restless leg syndrome was withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected deviated nasal septum and allergic rhinitis with sinusitis. A 40 percent disability rating is granted for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine from March 8, 2013.