Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has decided that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity may be related to his service-connected left knee disability, but needs further clarification from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for dementia has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal. The appeals for service connection for a skin disability, low back disability, sleep disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as a TDIU claim. The Veteran will be provided with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, and his TDIU application were both denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, Sjogren’s syndrome, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Service connection was denied for Raynaud’s syndrome.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including obtaining missing in-service medical records from Fort Jackson. The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are pending and will be reconsidered after the additional evidence is obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions and evidence regarding his service-connected conditions, including neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, and the case is remanded for further development. The cases for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type 2, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are also remanded. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings of peripheral neuropathy, popliteal nerve, left and right lower extremities (claimed as plantar paresthesia foot drop) has been granted. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation due to loss of use of both feet is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is not found to have caused or worsened the current pinguecula in his eyes, and he does not have a disability manifested by symptoms of arm pain.,The Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy in any extremity. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have functional impairment due to reported pains.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been manageable by restricted diet only during the period on appeal, and he does not require insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. The Board finds that a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension was denied as the condition did not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating.,The Veteran's increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II was denied because management of the condition required only insulin and/or an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet, which is consistent with the 20 percent rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 7913.,The Veteran's increased rating for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (from April 23, 2018 forward) was granted as it manifested in moderate incomplete paralysis of all radicular nerve groups without severe incomplete paralysis of all radicular nerve groups.,The Veteran's increased rating for right lower extremity and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied due to the lack of evidence showing moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,TDIU was granted as the Veteran has been unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied. Separate ratings in excess of 10 percent were granted for peripheral neuropathy of the lower right and left extremities beginning December 17, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic muscle fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to a lack of evidence showing current disability attributable to active service. The appeal is also remanded for further examination regarding OSA and initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the LUE, RUE, LLE, and RLE. However, these claims are being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the locations of the submarines during the Veteran's Vietnam-era service.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic sinusitis, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. Service connection for persistent depressive disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.