Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that further action is needed to ensure full compliance with the VCAA and its implementing regulations. The claims for service connection on appeal are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and remanded issues regarding upper extremity disabilities, PTSD rating, and a foot disability.

The Board has found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service. The claims for peripheral neuropathy of various extremities, erectile dysfunction, and a left ear hearing loss disability are all remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected due to lack of a 10-year period of continuous total disability rating, and the cause of death is not related to Agent Orange exposure or PTSD.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right lower extremity diabetic polyneuropathy were denied, with the right leg receiving a higher rating of 40% from July 6, 2017 onwards.

The Veteran's appeals seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities and an increased rating for PTSD have been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeals before a decision was made.

The Veteran's Crohn's disease and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are granted service connection. The Veteran is also granted a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus type II, but the file lacks sufficient records to determine his current condition during this period. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is remanded. TDIU remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including back pain, heart condition, hypertension, bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet, and several musculoskeletal disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence to support an in-service onset or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include a depressive disorder secondary to other conditions and multiple physical impairments related to diabetes and Agent Orange exposure, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment since at least November 16, 2012. The Board has granted TDIU from that date. However, the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to November 16, 2012 is remanded due to evidence suggesting he may be unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's skin condition was reopened, but his increased rating for left shoulder disability and service connection claims were denied. The appeal is remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral leg disability, including peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his service personnel records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in disability more nearly approximating occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and impaired impulse control. An initial rating of 70 percent since June 11, 2014 for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease was granted service connection effective September 5, 2006. The Board found that the claim for service connection had been pending since September 23, 2003 and entitlement to benefits was demonstrated as of that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure, but denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran’s claim for an increased rating for diabetes was denied as the evidence did not show that his diabetes required insulin or regulation of activities.,Service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were both denied as there is no indication they are related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected diabetes was granted.

The Board has denied service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to the lack of evidence of such a condition during the appeal period. The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination and analysis.