Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 29, 2016.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities from March 16, 2009.,A separate TDIU rating for PTSD alone was also granted effective September 19, 2016.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for service connection of the Veteran's neuropathies of the right and left upper extremities, but remanded to determine appropriate initial ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, finding that there is a causal relationship between these conditions.

Service connection is denied for left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,Service connection is denied for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for recurrent lumbosacral strain is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, spinal scoliosis, and other physical impairments, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence supports the award of TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange, and service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual employability (TDIU).

The Veteran's diabetes is granted service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is also granted as secondary to his diabetes. Bilateral hearing loss and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it is aggravated by his diabetes and related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have produced total occupational impairment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his physical limitations due to diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's TDIU and increased PTSD ratings were granted in September 2013, but the attorney fees for these benefits are denied as no NOD was filed on the issues of TDIU or higher PTSD ratings.

The Veteran's claim for arthritis, left shoulder, is granted as there is evidence of current disability and in-service injury. The Board finds the private physician's opinion sufficient to establish a nexus between service and current condition.,Service connection is granted for residuals of frostbite affecting all four extremities (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) due to exposure during cold weather training.

The Veteran's service-connected CVA with residuals has been granted effective May 1, 1999 for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, left upper extremity hemiparesis, and facial asymmetry.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and potential asbestos exposure. The claims will be reconsidered after obtaining all relevant records, including VA and private treatment records, as well as any additional evidence related to asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure or as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case is being returned for additional development, including obtaining missing VA treatment records and a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's nephropathy, upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and hypercholesterolemia are found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's gastroparesis is not considered a separate disability for which he can seek service connection. Service connection for stroke is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral hands and feet are not service-connected as they are not related to his active duty service.,Service connection cannot be established for these conditions due to lack of a nexus between the disabilities and service, or exposure to herbicides.

Service connection for radiculopathy affecting the right and left upper and lower extremities has been granted, which is considered a full grant of the benefit sought with respect to peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected CVA with neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities qualifies for specially adapted housing. The appeal seeking a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.