Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, finding it is at least as likely as not related to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected.,Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diabetes, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and skin cancer are all granted as secondary to exposure to certain herbicides.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes and diabetic neuropathy prevented him from securing or following any form of substantially gainful employment prior to May 12, 2011. The Board granted a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis for this period.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type 2, with diabetic neuropathy was dismissed due to the death of the appellant before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, and his left ankle disability is rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that these ratings are appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to result in physical or mental impairment that render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, necessitating a remand for further examination.

The Board has determined that a more current examination is needed to rate the Veteran's service-connected disabilities due to the passage of time and changes in his condition since the last examinations.

The Veteran's service connection for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and lung cancer due to in-service exposure is granted, while her claim for ocular neuropathy is denied.

The Veteran's neurological disorder, including complex regional pain syndrome, bilateral sciatica, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities, is granted as service connected. The Board found that the condition had its onset during service and is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cholesterol, hypertension, and neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence showing that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy is granted as it is secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected scars are not rated higher due to their compensatory effects on neuropathy.,The Veteran's service-connected scars are not rated higher as they do not meet the criteria for a painful or unstable scar under DC 7804.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, bilateral retinopathy, and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for depression with PTSD due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person was denied as he is not in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type 2, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and cerebral vascular disease (stroke). The Board also remanded several issues related to TBI residuals, headaches, hearing loss, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.