Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's shin splints have been rated as 10 percent disabling. Service connection for muscle damage and nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy are denied as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected shin splints.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including cysts on body, erectile dysfunction, ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, and a sleep disability. The decision was based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, to include as secondary to low back disability. The claim for an effective date prior to January 29, 2013 for the award of TDIU is granted. Peripheral neuropathy claims are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to in-service herbicide exposure. Service connection is also denied for chronic myeloid leukemia as the Veteran's treatment records show this condition, but there is no indication it falls within the category of presumptively associated conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete records and issues regarding the severity of service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities. The claim for hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain and a lung condition were denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and obstructive sleep apnea was also denied as there is no evidence showing they are related to service.,The Veteran's lung condition (asthma) may be connected to cold exposure during a trip to Alaska in 1971. However, the VA examiner found that his current asthma did not stem from this incident and was more likely due to other factors.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD and DDD, left lower extremity sciatic compression neuropathy, right lower extremity sciatic compression neuropathy, left lower extremity femoral compression neuropathy, and right lower extremity femoral compression neuropathy have been granted increased ratings of 40 percent each.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is rated at 40 percent since July 26, 2017. The Veteran's residual scars from removal of basal cell carcinoma are rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to herbicide exposure or secondary to a pre-existing condition. The Veteran served on the U.S.S. Chipola in waters of Vietnam, but the exact location within the Republic of Vietnam is unclear and needs further investigation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated as 60 percent disabling. The RO increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerves to 40 percent each, effective June 26, 2018.,Ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerves were also increased to 20 percent each, effective June 26, 2018. Separate ratings of 30 percent and 20 percent were assigned for radial and median nerve neuropathies, respectively, effective July 18, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disability including anxiety disorder and PTSD. The hypertension claim was denied.,Service connection is established for radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and his claimed bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and related complications, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to unclear information regarding exposure to Agent Orange in Korea.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Obstructive sleep apnea and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity disability, including peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities had their onset during his military service.