Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and increased rating for bilateral foot fungus are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's initial increased evaluations for service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and intervertebral disc disease, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, are denied. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from October 22, 2010. The Board found that his conditions, including low back disability and polyneuropathy, made it necessary for him to have regular assistance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, CAD, feet swelling, hand swelling, and neuropathy were denied. The Board found no causal relationship between these conditions and carbon tetrachloride exposure in service.,The Veteran’s eye disorder claim is remanded due to lack of VA examination records. The duty to assist was triggered by the evidence suggesting a correlation with carbon tetrachloride exposure.,The Veteran's dementia (memory lapses) claim is also remanded for an examination, as it may be related to carbon tetrachloride exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to be examined by VA to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient verification of her exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. The VA will attempt to verify this exposure and obtain any outstanding medical records.

Service connection is granted for type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is denied for residuals of traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted service connection, but his peripheral neuropathy was remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no in-service onset or relationship to service. Service connection for tinnitus was granted based on a finding of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's diabetes and heart disease are being remanded for further evaluation, while his TDIU is granted. The case will also be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating for diabetes.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for chloracne, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the right and left extremities, due to potential service connection based on exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's military records need to be verified, and he needs to provide additional details regarding his Vietnam service.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, attributing it to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to make a determination on the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded for additional examinations and to obtain outstanding VA treatment records. The claims include service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, a bilateral leg disability other than peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, right knee strain, dry eye syndrome, and adjustment disorder with mixed emotions.

The Veteran's combined schedular rating for his service-connected disabilities was reduced from 100% to 90%. The Board notes that the reduction may not be proper due to worsening of his sciatic neuropathy. A new examination is required to assess the severity and permanency of his service-connected disabilities, including sciatic neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined to a 90 percent rating between December 20, 2010 and December 30, 2014. Prior to December 30, 2014, the Veteran was not unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the VA examination for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is inadequate to make an informed decision on the Veteran's claim. The matter is therefore being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for defective vision, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for PTSD effective October 27, 2003. Other claims remain pending.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including kidney disorder, arthritis, low back disorder, hip disorders, knee disorders, and eye disorders, as the evidence did not support a finding of current disability related to service or otherwise related to service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his appendectomy and his current symptoms.