Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, headache disorder, left ulnar neuropathy, sinusitis, hemorrhoids and tinea pedis have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for tinea pedis.

The claim of service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The claims for hypertension, glaucoma, erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic neuropathy have been remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, hypertension, bilateral lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and/or peripheral neuropathy and/or peripheral vascular disease, and any acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and dysthymia), finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or illness related to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination and medical opinion, as the previous VA opinion did not address both causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection. The TDIU issue is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the service connection claim.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has been rated at 20 percent since November 1, 2017. The reduction from 40 percent to 20 percent was proper as his condition improved.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, left leg radiculopathy, tinnitus, right knee scar, sleep apnea, headaches, bilateral hearing loss, chronic right and left leg disabilities to include blood clots, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a left knee disorder, and right and left foot diabetic neuropathy have been denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial 70% rating for PTSD has been granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper and lower extremities, as well as his claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left eye disability, have been dismissed.,An effective date of December 17, 1999 has been granted for the award of service connection for left knee osteoarthritis.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection due to lack of evidence regarding exposure within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of Vietnam while onboard the USS Graffias.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, rectal cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, left foot neuropathy pain, and right foot neuropathy pain due to potential exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or herbicide agents during service. The RO is instructed to develop evidence regarding the Veteran’s ship movements and positions during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus, contributed to his encephalopathy which caused his death. As a result, the appeal for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death is granted.

The Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has remanded for further development regarding service connection for left shoulder peripheral neuropathy. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for COPD, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right foot polyneuropathy were initially denied for ratings in excess of 10 percent. However, the Board granted a rating of 20 percent from March 12, 2018, for both feet.

The Board has not found substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding the issues on appeal, and thus requires another remand for further examination and clarification of any diagnosed peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete information regarding his exposure to herbicide agents during service and verification of his active duty periods. The issues will be reconsidered after these matters are resolved.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, skin condition of the bilateral feet, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease, and diabetes due to potential service connection issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity was denied. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to determine if service connection should be granted for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. Both issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as a result of exposure to herbicide agents. The RO must determine if the Veteran was within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam during his service aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). If so, VA should provide an examination to evaluate the nature and etiology of the peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased evaluation of various conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals prior to the Board's decision.