Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and nose fracture residuals with deviated septum and breathing problems.,There is no evidence of a gastrointestinal disorder during or after service, thus the claim for this condition is denied.,Diabetes mellitus was not diagnosed within one year post-service, so it cannot be presumed by law. The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus is therefore denied.,The Veteran's neuropathy of the right lower extremity does not meet presumptive criteria and is thus denied.,Neuropathy of the left lower extremity was granted as secondary to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicides and radiation during service, which could impact his claims for diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right arms, associated with diabetes mellitus type II, is granted. Additionally, he receives a 100% disability rating for diabetic retinopathy with photophobia.

The Veteran's application for a clothing allowance due to his service-connected right arm condition was denied because he did not file the application within one year of the anniversary date for which entitlement was established.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another individual, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for left lower extremity neuropathy has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for residuals of right leg graft site.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and squamous cell carcinoma. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an effective date earlier than March 12, 2012, for the award of service connection for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for ulnar neuropathy of the left and right hands due to incomplete information in prior VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for hepatitis C, type II diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and major depressive disorder have been dismissed as the Veteran requested a withdrawal of these appeals prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, neuropathy of the right forearm and hand, and right knee status post meniscal tear, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantial gainful employment prior to August 8, 2014.

The reduction of the 10 percent disability rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity was not proper, and the Veteran's claim is granted. The issues of increased ratings for right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for residuals of prostate cancer was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to insufficient examination and incomplete VA treatment records. The Board will order a new examination to assess the severity of his bilateral peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted as service-connected, and a VA examination is needed to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety) is secondary to his now service-connected peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and CAD, did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 21, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities has been reopened due to submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has reopened several previously denied claims but has not granted service connection for any of the conditions. The decision is mixed, with some issues being remanded and others having new evidence received that does not meet the criteria for reopening.