Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, traumatic brain injury, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service connection was also denied for chronic hairy/B-cell leukemia secondary to herbicide exposure at Udorn RTAFB.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran sustained a cold injury during service, which could affect his claim for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder was granted a 50% rating effective April 9, 2015. The Veteran's diabetic polyneuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities received initial ratings of 10%, 20%, and 20% prior to April 22, 2013, and thereafter. TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that TDIU benefits are warranted.

The Veteran's disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as eczema of the back and right ankle, have been restored to their initial levels.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, malaria, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand.

The Board has granted service connection for left upper, right upper, left lower, and right lower peripheral neuropathy secondary to the Veteran's adenocarcinoma. Tinnitus was denied as not related to active duty.

The Board denied service connection for left lower extremity neuropathy, radiculopathy, and cervical spine disorder. The Veteran's GERD, erectile dysfunction, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder were also remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether they are aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities is denied. The Board found that no CUE was present in the December 1966 rating decision, as the correct facts were not before the adjudicator at that time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims of service connection for bilateral wrist, hand, knee, and ankle disorders are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The claim for service connection for a sinus disorder characterized by nosebleeds is remanded with consideration of exposure to dust storms and burn pits. The claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities is remanded with consideration of in-service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for tinnitus, heart disability (including ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease), obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, and kidney disability. The Veteran is to be provided with a VA examination regarding his claimed tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral lower extremity disorder and acquired psychiatric disorders due to incomplete development of records, including VA treatment records from 2000 onwards and private hospital records from Jackson Memorial Hospital. A new VA examination is required for both conditions.

The case is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected back disability and associated symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. Separate ratings are also required for the right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the feet is etiologically related to service, granting service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral cataracts, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (posttraumatic stress disorder) due to inadequate opinions in the March 2012 VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to herbicide agent exposure, but remanded the issues regarding bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are being remanded due to new evidence having been added to the record since the last AOJ adjudication.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, finding that these conditions are secondary to treatment for the Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disorder and remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral lower peripheral neuropathy due to lack of medical evidence.