Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy is at least as likely as not related to his cold weather injury during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to missing service treatment records and incomplete National Guard service information.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of evidence showing regulation of activities.,For his upper extremities, the Veteran’s peripheral neuropathy was rated as 10 percent prior to August 16, 2017 and 20 percent thereafter. The Board determined these ratings were appropriate based on mild symptoms affecting only the median nerve.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder).,Service connection is also granted for internal derangement left knee with limitation of flexion, a separate rating for extension prior to March 17, 2018, and an increased rating from March 17, 2018. The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Board has determined that additional medical examination and opinion are needed to determine the nature and etiology of any upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, including whether it is related to service or diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor does he have ankylosis of his knees or hips. Therefore, he is ineligible for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle or adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service. The decision also addressed secondary service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome but found insufficient evidence to support this claim.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal on December 13, 2018.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete service medical records and a need for additional examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain relevant VA treatment records and issue a Statement of the Case on the effective date claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and peripheral neuropathy, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from September 27, 2015. TDIU is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

Service connection is granted for headaches, PTSD, and low back strain. Other issues are remanded.

Service connection for onychomycosis and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is denied due to pyramiding.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, as he did not provide sufficient evidence to establish a presumption of service connection due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The claims will be reviewed on other bases.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 30, 2012, for the award of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied as there was no evidence of an earlier claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected low back disability and whether any bilateral lower extremities peripheral neuropathy is secondary to that condition.