Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and early-onset peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted as due to Agent Orange exposure. The claims for amputation of the second toe, left foot; ulcers of both feet; and Charcot of the right foot are remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension and cardiomyopathy are granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus and PTSD.,PTSD is granted with a 100 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's ability to work prior to January 23, 2014. The VA needs to request a medical opinion on the functional impact of his service-connected disabilities during that period.

The appeal for service connection of COPD has been withdrawn and dismissed. The claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; bronchitis; gastrointestinal disorder; skin disorder of the inner thighs and under arms; and skin disorder of the feet have been remanded due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was granted a 40% rating effective June 2, 2016. Prior to this date, he had been rated at 10%. The Board found that his symptoms warranted such a rating.

The Veteran's left axillary and posterior chest wallet neuropathy is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, which also does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has found that the Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but further development is needed to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection was dismissed due to his death before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's claims for initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was dismissed because he withdrew his claim. The Board granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, diabetes mellitus type 2, kidney condition, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension have all been denied.,There is no credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors underlying the diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information on the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left sciatic peripheral nerve neuropathy. Additional development is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent prior to April 26, 2013, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter, for PTSD. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied an increased rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have been productive of no more than moderate incomplete paralysis for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for right ankle disability, chronic regional pain syndrome, right knee disability, muscle disorder and/or joint pain, vertigo, loss of balance, headaches, gastrointestinal disorder, skin disorder, left foot disability, and acquired psychiatric disabilities. The VA is directed to obtain relevant treatment records from various facilities and the Veteran's Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot neuropathy and right foot neuropathy have been granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degeneration of the lumbar spine with spondylosis at L4-5 level has also been granted, restoring his previous rating.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is remanded.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for the cause of death, nonservice-connected death pension benefits, and accrued benefits due to the character of the service member's release from service being a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder (including schizophrenia), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, traumatic brain injury with residuals, chronic myositis of the para-cervical and para-lumbar spine muscles, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, absence seizures, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's service records need to be verified, including any National Guard or Reserve service, and all updated treatment records should be obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and heart disability, prostate disability, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease), kidney disease with renal failure and periodic bladder infection, anemia, and peripheral neuropathy. Service connection was denied for tendonitis of all joints.