Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy affecting the upper and lower extremities was reopened due to new evidence received since the last denial. However, the claim remains denied as there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to service or presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Board dismissed all claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder disability and associated paresthesia are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of the rating decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is causing peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities as well as diabetic retinopathy. The VA has remanded the claims for further evaluation.,The Veteran's current conditions are rated based on their severity and impact on his daily life.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to incomplete VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, and unspecified depressive disorder have been granted. A 100% rating has been assigned for PTSD.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is dismissed as the AOJ has already granted service connection for this condition.,Service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and arteriosclerosis of the upper and lower extremities are denied due to lack of evidence of current disabilities as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of personal assistance from others, and the Board has determined that he qualifies for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded for an updated VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his condition.,The issue of service connection for peripheral radiculopathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities is being remanded due to inadequate previous VA examination results.,An additional medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of the Veteran's major depressive disorder, as well as whether it is aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded because there is evidence suggesting a link to military service or a service-connected disability.,A VA examination in conjunction with this claim is needed due to the Veteran's cervical spine disability possibly having been caused by his active service.,The Veteran's skin disability is being remanded for an additional VA examination and opinion regarding its etiology, given conflicting evidence from different medical professionals.,Service connection for high blood pressure is being remanded because it has not yet been adjudicated due to pending SSA benefits determination.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded as well.,Service connection for hypercholesterolemia is being remanded, with a request for additional evidence from Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding disability benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes and related disorders, including peripheral neuropathies, retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction, have worsened since his last examinations. The claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen previously denied claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, chloracne, hypertension, and depression. The cases are remanded for further development regarding in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

Service connection is granted for intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine, neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and neuropathy of the right upper extremity.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions are associated with his current disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a new VA examination due to previous examinations not complying with instructions. The case is also being readjudicated after obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all pending claims, including those related to PTSD, prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claims for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss disability due to outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inconsistencies in medical records and need for updated examinations. The Veteran's prostate cancer is currently rated at 100% disabling, which is the maximum rating available under VA guidelines.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy (femoral nerve) is manifested by no more than mild incomplete paralysis, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted service connection. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy in the lower and upper extremities is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip avascular necrosis, left hip avascular necrosis, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The decision is based on the preponderance of evidence showing these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected. The claims for diabetes mellitus, spinal stenosis, and peripheral neuropathy are remanded.