Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, including as due to Agent Orange exposure, is related to his service.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus were denied. The claim for TDIU was granted with an effective date of April 22, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury, left knee tendonitis, and right ankle sprain are all granted effective from August 24, 2010. The disability ratings for the left knee tendonitis and right ankle sprains have been restored to their original levels.,Service connection is established for bilateral optic neuropathy resulting in blindness without light perception in both eyes. The Veteran is also eligible for SMC at the (l) level due to his need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is granted with a disability rating of 40 percent, effective July 18, 2011.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hypothyroidism, and left ulnar neuropathy have been granted service connection. The Veteran’s tinnitus is presumed due to in-service noise exposure, her hypothyroidism is presumptively related to military service, and her left ulnar neuropathy is associated with a history of elbow problems not related to spinal conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left feet was incorrectly rated as non-compensable. The Board has determined that there is CUE in the February 27, 2015 rating decision and has granted a 10% rating effective January 29, 2015.

The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy remains rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for peroneal neuropathy of the left lower extremity remains in appellate status and requires additional development, including a VA examination to assess current severity.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and cardiovascular disability (claimed as ischemic heart disease) have been granted service connection.,However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's cardiovascular disability is related to his exposure to herbicides.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the hands due to new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further examination and development.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension as due to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to diabetes mellitus.,The Board also denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the feet and toes as due to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The claim for hypertension was denied due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claims for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities were dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, decreased visual acuity with decreased visual fields, and peripheral neuropathy resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance of another due to his physical limitations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to bring his combined disability rating to 90 percent, with at least one disability rated 40 percent or higher. The Board finds that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and grants TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot neuropathy and kidney disability due to herbicide exposure, but remanded the case for additional development regarding the kidney disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected. The issues of left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded for further review.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral artery disease, autonomic neuropathy, left shoulder traumatic arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), bilateral restless leg syndrome, and renal disorder. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations of his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, attributing it to exposure to Agent Orange during service.