Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and its impact on his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various conditions due to new evidence and exposure claims. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is reopened but the AOJ must obtain additional medical records and determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides or other toxins.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure or as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for polyneuropathy/peripheral neuropathy and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of new and relevant evidence, but granted service connection for tinnitus and low back disability.,Service connection was not established for polyneuropathy/peripheral neuropathy as the Veteran's condition did not manifest within one year after service. The Board found no link between the condition and military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of his posttraumatic stress disorder was denied, with the Board remanding the case to allow for further development.,For his left shoulder impingement syndrome and dislocation, the Veteran is being asked to provide additional evidence as he has not yet received a proper VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to July 19, 2016. The Board has remanded the issues of right lower extremity neuropathy and a pulmonary disability to include COPD claimed as the result of asbestos and chemical exposure for further development. The TDIU issue is also remanded.

The Veteran's clothing allowance for bilateral crutches used in 2018 is granted due to the wear and tear caused by his service-connected disabilities, specifically peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including anxiety, frostbite residuals, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, have led to a TDIU claim. The Board has ordered further examination to assess the impact on employment.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings are denied.,The Board has remanded the cases to obtain additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy due to incomplete records requests. The Veteran is asked to identify all facilities where he was hospitalized during service, and any outstanding in-patient service treatment records are requested specifically for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection on all issues except the psychiatric disorder, which was dismissed due to lack of appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a head injury and/or concussion, as well as her claim for headaches (secondary to a head injury and/or concussion), due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The diabetes mellitus claim was denied as the evidence did not show that it required insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The coronary artery disease claim was denied due to lack of episodes of congestive heart failure or workload exceeding 3 METs resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope. Diabetic neuropathy claims were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for ethambutol related toxic optic neuropathy, claimed as legal blindness, is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran’s claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and frequent urination and leakage as secondary to the now service-connected diabetes mellitus. The decision is based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracic spine tumor and peripheral neuropathy, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's symptoms were attributed to vitamin B12 deficiency.

The Veteran's service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, secondary to his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus is granted.