Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney failure, status-post transplant, resulting in hypertension; nail fungus of the feet and hands; peripheral neuropathy; and sleep apnea have been reopened. However, the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding no link between his current condition and an event or injury in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, as due to herbicide exposure or secondary to diabetes mellitus. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all pertinent records and provide the Veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence. VA physicians are requested to provide opinions on the etiology of the claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective April 10, 2009 due to his service-connected bilateral upper limb neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records, specifically a July 31, 2017, medical opinion of Dr. L.C.V. from Kaiser Permanente.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus claimed as the result of herbicide agent exposure. The issues of service connection for other conditions are remanded due to inextricability with the reopened issue.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further examination is needed.

The Board has determined that the reduction in ratings for radiculopathy of the upper extremities was improper and has restored the original ratings. The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to clarify the severity and scope of the Veteran's current service-connected hypothyroidism, including whether her symptoms of hand and foot coldness and numbness are attributable to a distinct diagnosis other than her service-connected condition.

The Board has denied service connection for various peripheral nerve conditions and vascular diseases of the Veteran's lower extremities, finding no current disability or functional impairment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for loss of vision, right lower extremity neuropathy and paralysis, left lower extremity neuropathy and paralysis, and restless leg syndrome. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease with compressive neuropathy at L5-S1 and IVDS is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, effective February 11, 2009. The Board denied a higher rating based on the lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records that have not yet been associated with the claims file.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from July 22, 2016 onward. The decision is based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy), and bilateral hearing loss are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, anxiety, and sleep issues related to pain syndrome is granted. The claims for left eye disability, hyperlipidemia, neuropathy of the upper extremities, neuropathy of the lower extremities, cold injury of the upper extremities, cold injury of the lower extremities, circulatory disorder, and traumatic brain injury are denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including headaches, skin disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, degenerative joint disease of the right hip, and a right knee disability. The remand requires additional development for each issue.

The Board has stayed the adjudication of cases affected by the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, including the Veteran's claims for service connection. The issues are remanded to allow for a respiratory VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral lower extremity motor and sensory polyneuropathy, as they are related to herbicide agent exposure. The VA will obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s current neuropathy is related to his service or if it could be characterized as early-onset peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA records and medical examinations.