Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding all listed issues, including the rating for migraine headaches and other conditions. The Board dismissed these appeals due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's cause of death was initially listed as COPD, but his spouse now contends that diabetes mellitus caused the death. The Board has ordered a request for the original death certificate from Indiana State Department of Health Division of Vital Records.

The Veteran's skin disorder claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.,The Veteran's breathing disorder (COPD) and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral feet claims are remanded due to failure to report for VA examinations. The hypertension claim is also remanded based on updated NAS findings regarding herbicide exposure and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection in multiple areas, including left shoulder impingement syndrome with arthritis and arthritis and muscle spasms of right shoulder, need further development to verify her Reserve service periods. The remaining issues are remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection in multiple areas, including left shoulder impingement syndrome with arthritis and arthritis and muscle spasms of right shoulder, need further development to verify her Reserve service periods. The remaining issues are remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted. The claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy of the right eye, peripheral diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to a lack of a nexus opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, left leg amputation, hypertension, neuropathy of the right leg and both hands, vision problems, and high cholesterol have all been reopened.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his cerebral vascular accident residuals and peripheral neuropathy, rendered him in need of aid and attendance prior to July 22, 2016. Since then, he has required assistance due to the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is granted, but a remand is required to obtain an opinion on whether his condition is related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and SMC must be remanded due to uncertainty about his exposure to herbicides during service. The AOJ will verify this information and determine if he served in the 12-nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.,The Veteran's headaches are not service-connected due to lack of in-service onset and no credible link to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy are all remanded.

The Veteran's service records do not show any diagnosed lumbar back injury or peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities. The Board finds that his current conditions are not related to military service.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis of left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, colon cancer, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been granted. The appeal is remanded for further examination regarding right ankle disability, gout, and bowel disability.

The Board has granted service connection for heart condition, hypertension, bladder cancer, and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy symptoms. The issues of service connection for these conditions are all resolved in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records. The case will be returned to VA to obtain and review any missing treatment records from the VA medical center.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities, finding that it is due to presumed herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is granted a 100 percent rating, effective May 7, 2018. The issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus, ischemic heart disease, and neuropathy are remanded.