Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and physical conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to decide whether he is entitled to benefits for his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities due to a lack of a VA examination, as well as outstanding treatment records. The examiner is requested to determine if these conditions are related to service or any other relevant factors.

The Board has remanded two separate claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to alleged adverse effects from Avelox administered by VA in March 2013. The remand requires obtaining additional medical records and an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to this treatment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for psychiatric disability, neck disability, low back disability, and migraine headaches.

Service connection has been granted for headaches, a psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety and depression), and residuals of a broken jaw. The Veteran's skin condition, claimed as jungle rot, traumatic brain injury to include syncope, right shoulder disability, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity are all pending.,The Board has granted service connection for headaches, a psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety and depression), and residuals of a broken jaw. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral neuropathy of the foot, finding that it did not arise in service or manifest to a compensable degree within a year of separation from active duty. The claim was remanded for further development regarding hypertension.,The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension, noting an update by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) upgrading its classification of evidence linking hypertension to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left arm disability and TDIU was dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD.

Effective dates of April 13, 2009 for service connection of generalized anxiety disorder and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected multiple sclerosis.,Effective dates of April 13, 2009 for service connection of right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected multiple sclerosis.,Effective dates of April 13, 2009 for service connection of right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected multiple sclerosis.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes, retinopathy, bilateral foot neuropathy, left foot disability, and right foot disability has been reopened.,Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide agent exposure in service. The claims of secondary service connection for retinopathy, bilateral foot neuropathy, left foot disability, and right foot disability are also granted.

The Board previously denied service connection for primary open angle glaucoma with optic neuropathy as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. The Court has now remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of recent dose assessments from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic foot pain, are related to cold exposure in service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's acid reflux and erectile dysfunction are not service-connected.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is not service-connected, but may be due to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.,The Veteran's bunions and hammer toes on his right foot are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's disabilities and their service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is granted a 70 percent rating.,The Veteran's left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is granted a 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted initial ratings of 40 percent since April 6, 2011.