Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to his in-service exposure to herbicides. His coronary artery disease, nephropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathies are also granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for diabetes and diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange) are denied. The effective date is assigned based on the date entitlement arose, which in this case is the date of diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, including for tinnitus, Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus type II, obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and PTSD. The exposure basis is presumed due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board will take all necessary steps to determine if the Veteran was within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam and attempt to corroborate his assertions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities due to new evidence submitted since a previous denial in June 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The remaining issues of peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are granted. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to need the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board granted service connection for right ulnar neuropathy with an effective date of September 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of peripheral neuropathy in his left upper, lower extremities and right lower extremity due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, as due to herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The Veteran's amputation of the right fourth toe, bilateral diabetic neuropathy of the feet, kidney disability, erectile dysfunction, and diabetic retinopathy are all found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and reopening of his claims for low back disability, bronchitis, and obesity. The other conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal or denial.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity paresthesias and numbness are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for right and left upper extremity neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disability due to Agent Orange exposure and granted a TDIU rating. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of ischemic heart disability, but the Veteran was found unemployable due to his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted, as the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding its relationship to his combat service.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder including sarcoidosis, presumed due to herbicide exposure, is also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to additional development being necessary.

The appeal with respect to disequilibrium and bilateral hearing loss was dismissed. Service connection for PTSD was granted, but the rating for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is remanded.

The Veteran's ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were each increased to 40 percent effective September 11, 2017. The rating for the period prior to September 11, 2017 remains on appeal.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities had their ratings reduced, but these reductions are considered improper due to procedural errors. The issues have been remanded for further review.