Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's asbestosis is rated at 60 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board also denied his claim for TDIU prior to March 29, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew all issues on appeal in June 2018 and July 2018.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to November 1, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for emphysema, ear problems, and asthma has been withdrawn. The claims for service connection for a head injury, rhinitis, sinusitis, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and left knee/leg disability have all been granted or denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, do not render him unemployable. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities due to alleged exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation during his military service. The RO is instructed to verify the Veteran’s reported exposures and schedule him for a VA examination to assess the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disabilities and associated bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has determined that a more thorough examination is needed for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and his claim for TDIU is inextricably intertwined with this issue. The case is being remanded to allow for further evaluation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy and PTSD, finding that new and material evidence supports these claims. The Board also granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for generalized anxiety disorder and left ear hearing loss has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.,Service connection for a neck condition, claimed as cervical injury, and peripheral neuropathy right upper extremity have both been denied.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities, finding no evidence of a nexus to service and no continuous symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran has a current disability of peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity that is related to service or a service-connected disability, and to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of service-connected right upper extremity axillary mononeuropathy.

The Veteran's increased disability ratings for his immersion foot disabilities of the right and left feet have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeals on all issues, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, neuropathy, and left knee disability. The Board dismissed these appeals as a result.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded as the Board found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current psychiatric condition and any in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claims for left shoulder disorder, low back disorder, initial rating greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, initial rating greater than 10 percent for left lower extremity disability (neuropathy), and initial rating greater than 10 percent for right lower extremity disability (neuropathy) are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for right and left lower extremity neurological disorders, including radiculopathy. The remand requires an addendum opinion to address whether his diagnosed conditions are proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected osteoarthritic changes of the sacroiliac joints.

The claim to reopen service connection for neuropathy of the right hand is granted, but service connection itself is denied. The claim to reopen service connection for amputation of the index and long fingers of the left hand is also granted, but service connection itself remains denied. The initial rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not indicate a compensable degree of disability within one year of separation from active duty.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted based on herbicide agent exposure during service. Service connection for upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the claims for obstructive sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), headaches, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, right knee disability, and degenerative joint disease of the right hip. The reasons for remand include needing updated VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service or other etiologies.