Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic headache disorder and fatigue disorder, were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to active service.,Service connection was also denied for kidney disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), blood disorder, and left lower extremity neuropathy due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot swelling, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Veteran was granted a TDIU.

The Board has found that the Veteran's frostbite of the feet is etiologically related to service, and his neuropathy of the feet is a residual of that frostbite. The claim for residuals of frostbite of the feet, identified as neuropathy, is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of chronic disabilities in service or post-service, and the Veteran did not provide credible evidence to support his assertions.

The Board has remanded the case for a comprehensive VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right hand disability is due to his carpal tunnel release surgery and whether any additional disabilities are related to the surgery or pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's heart condition, diabetes mellitus, bilateral peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities, and squamous cancer left cheek with residuals have been granted service connection due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's dementia and Alzheimer's with depression were denied as not related to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy was granted on a secondary basis to his now service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot neuropathy, right foot neuropathy, a back disability, and a neck disability. The Veteran will be provided with VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and onychomycosis, based on service aggravation. The remaining issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy, and restless leg syndrome are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral peripheral neuropathy is being remanded for a more contemporaneous examination due to worsening symptoms. His TDIU claim is also being remanded as he has not been provided proper notice and the AOJ should request that he complete a VA Form 21-8940, Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, including whether it began during active service or was related to his motorcycle accident or complaints of 'nervous trouble' during service.

A 20 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity prior to July 3, 2018 is granted.,A rating greater than 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity on or after July 3, 2018 is denied.,A 20 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity prior to July 3, 2018 is granted.,A rating greater than 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity on or after July 3, 2018 is denied.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a right shoulder/arm disability is granted. Service connection for the condition is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders, respiratory disorder manifested by difficulty breathing, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder NOS. The decision also remanded several issues for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for urinary incontinence, peripheral neuropathy, and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus due to inadequate medical evidence.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximate moderate paralysis of the femoral nerve.

The Veteran's appeal is about eligibility for special home adaptation grants and assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing. The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for these benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, including VA treatment records and employment information.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities are all granted service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service at Takhli Air Base in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection and compensation for left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is remanded. The matter is also remanded to determine when left femoral nerve pathology was first shown, distinguishing it from symptoms attributable to left sciatic nerve involvement.