Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection on a presumptive basis due to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent, but his claim can be reconsidered as direct service connection may apply.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and related issues due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between service-connected disabilities and the Veteran's current conditions.

The claim for PTSD is dismissed. The claim for major depressive disorder is granted. Claims for increased rating and service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension are all granted due to herbicide exposure during service. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Thailand and has been diagnosed with these conditions.

The Veteran's asthma was granted service connection as it is presumed to have existed prior to service and not aggravated by service. Other claims for various conditions were denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected due to herbicide agent exposure. The issues of peripheral neuropathy and hypertension are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a neurologic disability of the legs (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) is remanded due to incomplete development and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further adjudication due to inadequate reasons and basis in the prior decision, specifically regarding the Veteran's symptoms of his legs giving way, use of assistive devices for ambulation, severe limited mobility, sleep impairment due to pain, and chronic constipation due to pain medication. The Board also found that referral for extraschedular consideration is necessary based on the Veteran’s worsening disability.

The Veteran's service connection for type II diabetes mellitus (DM) is granted. The issues of secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of a November 2011 total right knee replacement surgery, finding that there was no evidence to support the contention that VA carelessness or negligence caused his additional disability.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to various disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, renal failure, peripheral neuropathy, and amputation scars. The AOJ is directed to obtain updated treatment records and the December 2013 Statement of the Case for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent and denied an increased rating. The claims for service connection of the left breast cancer, hyperparathyroidism, and diabetes mellitus type II (DM) are remanded due to lack of a VA examination addressing these conditions' etiology.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathies are secondary to her DM and also require further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and skin disability, including melanoma due to in-service herbicide exposure. The remaining issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are also remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded for further evaluation.,Increased ratings for specific conditions related to diabetes and peripheral neuropathy are also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and evaluation due to new evidence of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's service connection claim for poor vision, left upper and lower extremity neuropathies, and diabetes mellitus type II was denied. The issues of initial disability ratings were also denied.

The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to asbestos exposure is dismissed. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right leg injury, high blood pressure as a result of asbestos exposure, neuropathy of the left upper extremity, neuropathy of the right upper extremity, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and neuropathy of the right lower extremity are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not show an increase in disability within one year prior to his October 14, 2015 claim.,An effective date of October 14, 2015 was assigned for all granted issues.