Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and an unspecified respiratory condition due to presumed exposure to herbicides during service. The Veteran's current conditions are considered at least as likely as not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of one automobile or other conveyance and/or automobile adaptive equipment is remanded due to incomplete records. The RO must request his VA treatment records from Stony Brook University Hospital, complete a VA examination to assess his service-connected disabilities' impact on his ability to use his feet, and then determine eligibility for financial assistance.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective July 10, 2015. The effective date is based on the fact that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand, which could impact the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and related peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has granted a TDIU, but the appeal for service connection and ratings for peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals at a Board hearing.

The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity was granted initial ratings of 30%, 40%, and 40% respectively. The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left femoral nerve and right femoral nerve were each granted an initial rating of 20%. No other conditions or issues related to service connection were addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for muscle damage, left knee; left foot drop; MRSA infection; CIDP; pulmonary edema; heart disability (to include congestive heart failure); renal failure; and compromised immune system are all granted. The claim for service connection for a heart disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as his service-connected conditions did not render him unemployable prior to December 15, 2016.

The Board has dismissed all the issues related to the veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, type II, and diabetic neuropathy as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for intermittent paresthesias of the fingertips has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence to support this claim.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and erectile dysfunction have not been established as these conditions are not shown during the period on appeal.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 27, 2011 for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to sciatic nerve involvement of the left lower extremity. The appeal regarding entitlement to an earlier effective date of service connection prior to February 27, 2012 for peripheral neuropathy of the right sciatica is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left arm/shoulder disability, including its relationship to service-connected back strain.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for spinal stenosis was granted at a 20 percent level. The appeal for an increased rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetic nephropathy and hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 11, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities due to pending medical examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus was denied, and his claim for service connection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II was granted. The case is remanded for further development regarding the rating of diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient evidence, particularly regarding the onset of his conditions during active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied, and the Board found that he is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from March 30, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right hand and fingers, left hand and fingers, left foot and toes, and right foot and toes are granted. The appeal is remanded to determine the etiology of these conditions.