Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right ankle, left ankle, and neuropathy of the right lower extremity disabilities have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and neuropathy of the right upper extremity are being remanded due to pending issues with service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which he had reopened based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cardiomyopathy, axonal sensorimotor neuropathy of the feet, colon cancer, and skin cancer due to potential herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The VA will obtain a medical opinion on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not conclusively indicate that they require the aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds a need for further evaluation to determine if the Veteran requires such assistance.

The Board denied the reopening of claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction was denied, and his claim for an effective date prior to July 20, 2015 for the award of TDIU benefits was also denied.

The Board has denied an initial compensable rating for service-connected epistaxis with nasal septum perforation and secondary rhinitis, but has remanded the issue of service connection for mechanical low back pain.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities have been denied. The right hand and left hand peripheral neuropathy are each rated at 20 percent, while the right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remain at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including myxoid liposarcoma and lymphedema. The issues were not addressed based on a presumption due to exposure to ionizing radiation or other specific service environment.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, cervical spine disability, thoracic spine disability, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities of the lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, now diagnosed as bipolar disorder, was increased to a 50% rating effective May 2, 2016.,The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of May 2, 2016 for the award of a 50% rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, acute colitis, testicular cancer, and Type II diabetes mellitus have been granted. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents during his service.

Service connection for bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to herbicide and chemical exposure, is denied.,Service connection for hypertension, to include as due to herbicide exposure, is granted.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), to include as secondary to service-connected restrictive and obstructive lung disease, is denied.,Service connection for a bilateral foot condition, to include as due to herbicide agent exposure, is denied.,Service connection for a bilateral hand condition, to include as secondary to upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and as a result of exposure to herbicides, ionizing radiation, and other toxic chemicals, is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder and tinnitus, but denied the remaining issues. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for back condition, gout in feet, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity due to new and material evidence. The appeals are granted on these issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions, as there is insufficient medical evidence to determine their etiology.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to Agent Orange exposure, finding that there was no medical evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding potential negligence in the surgical procedure resulting in right peroneal nerve injury and sensory neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance or housebound rates was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his functional limitations.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not manifested by internal or external deformity of the penis, and was first manifested following a prostatectomy. The claim for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is denied.,The effective date assigned for service connection of erectile dysfunction is July 29, 2013, as this is the date of the Veteran's radical prostatectomy. An earlier effective date is not warranted.,Special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) was granted from June 10, 2013 to January 29, 2014 due to the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities and his total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The benefit is now discontinued as of January 29, 2014.,The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further evaluation.,Eligibility for a grant for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation is also remanded.