Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability (torticollis) was previously denied in July 1971, and new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection for hyperlipidemia is not warranted as it does not constitute a recognized disability for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lichen planus and neuropathy of the right hand due to new evidence received since June 2003. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim is granted, but an earlier effective date claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent prior to November 1, 2012. The Veteran also receives a TDIU effective March 31, 2012.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of various extremities and a sleep disability, finding that additional medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The appeal is now denied as new and material evidence has not been received.,Service connection for bilateral hand numbness is denied because there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in either upper extremity.,The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II remains at 10 percent, as the disability is manageable with a restricted diet alone. The appeal is denied.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities does not warrant a compensable rating due to lack of evidence showing the need for insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, or regulation of activities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of TDIU. The SMC based on loss of use claim is remanded for further consideration.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, finding that it did not manifest during active service or within one year after separation and is not otherwise related to active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The initial rating for his low back disability is denied, but a higher rating of 60 percent is granted from February 13, 2015 to the present. Ratings in excess of 10 percent are denied for neuropathy of both lower extremities secondary to the low back disability.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral, upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The issues are remanded for this purpose.

The appeals for service connection of various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for ischemic heart disease, but the claim for peripheral neuropathy remains pending as a VA examination is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and ischemic heart disease as secondary to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's proximity to the base perimeter during his service in Thailand was established, allowing for presumptive service connection.

The Board dismissed all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right upper extremity disability has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death while the case was pending before the Board.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities are granted. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of these conditions related to in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities, finding that it is related to exposure to jet fuels during military service. Service connection for status post-strokes to include as secondary to PTSD was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as an increased rating for PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran had these conditions due to Agent Orange exposure or any other service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DM II, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hearing loss, render him unemployable. The Board has granted TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected conditions.