Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hearing loss was denied because he failed to appear for a scheduled VA examination. The TDIU claim was also denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher levels of special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(f)(3), finding that he did not meet the criteria for these rates based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and left lower extremity neuropathy as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease, including exposure to herbicide agents. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet his burden to establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus (DM) and kidney disorder, but denied service connection for left foot disorder and lower extremity neuropathy. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The issues of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of total social and occupational impairment. The issues of service connection for various conditions are remanded due to lack of definitive medical records.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are found to have been incurred during service.,His unspecified depressive disorder is determined to be secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches.,Bilateral hearing loss is denied as not related to service.,Back, neck, left knee, and right knee disorders are all denied as not related to service.,Right eye and left eye disorders are also denied as not related to service.,Diabetes mellitus is denied as not related to service.,Peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities and lower extremities are both denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss has been granted, with a current rating of 10 percent.,Hypertension was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.,Low back disability was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.,Cervical spine disability was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.,Arthritis of the bilateral lower extremities was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right leg was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.,Peripheral neuropathy of the left leg was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.,An acquired psychiatric disability to include major depressive disorder is not related to an in-service injury, disease, or event.,Restless leg syndrome of the right leg is not related to an in-service injury, disease, or event.,Restless leg syndrome of the left leg is not related to an in-service injury, disease, or event.,Right hip disability was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient information regarding his functional impairments and standing/walking limitations.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the issues of service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, and left lower extremity as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. Service connection for a skin disorder (chloracne) is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C. The Veteran's claims for other conditions are remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and hand tremors due to a lack of adequate opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions, particularly in relation to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus with bilateral cataracts and upper extremity diabetic neuropathy due to new evidence or worsening of symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The decision found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II, and that his peripheral neuropathy was not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy symptoms warrant a higher evaluation than the currently assigned 20 percent for incomplete paralysis, moderate. The Board has ordered remand to schedule the Veteran for a Peripheral Nerves Condition examination and EMG study.

The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left sciatic nerves prior to March 29, 2017, are denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral nuclear sclerotic cataracts and bilateral primary open angle glaucoma, both secondary to diabetes, are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy. The issues include seeking a compensable rating for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as TDIU.