Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's heart disorder is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and he was granted a 100% rating for this condition. The right knee disability claim was denied as there was no evidence of an injury during service or a nexus to service.

The claim for service connection for right ankle inflammatory arthritis is denied.,The claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and erectile dysfunction are granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective December 27, 2019. The Board also granted a TDIU and an earlier effective date for DEA.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as it is part and parcel of the Veteran's already service-connected radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, but denied service connection for a back disability. The neuropathy is linked to the Veteran's cerebellar ataxia, while the back disability is not.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his respiratory disorders, psychiatric disorder (PTSD), heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. Additional development is needed including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

Effective dates of July 21, 2009 for the grants of service connection and increased ratings have been granted.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including service connection for various psychiatric and physical conditions. The Veteran's claim is also being recharacterized to include any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's CTS and asthma are granted as service connected. The Board found that the evidence was in equipoise for CTS, but did not address Asthma.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 4, 2015 for the combined rating of 100 percent due to service-connected disabilities and has also granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, including as due to exposure to herbicides. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran’s asserted exposures and obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder (claimed as paranoid schizophrenia).

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left arm disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability resulting from VA back surgery performed in October 2013 is remanded due to the need for an independent medical opinion.

The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent effective March 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple myeloma, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities as secondary to herbicide exposure during service.

Service connection is denied for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as they are not related to service or exposure to toxic herbicide agents.,Service connection is denied for coronary artery disease and hypertension as they are not related to service or exposure to toxic herbicide agents.

The Veteran's skin condition, diagnosed as tinea cruris, recurrent, of the bilateral groin and thighs and tinea corporis of the right leg, had onset in service. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records from his National Guard service. The claims will be reviewed with these additional records.