Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum opinion from the April 2019 examiner regarding his retained functional ability to use his feet. The claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including instability and degenerative joint disease with chondromalacia, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has remanded the case for further adjudication due to issues related to service connection for a facial nerve condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral knee disability are denied. The Veteran's claims for initial ratings greater than 10 percent for his lumbosacral spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for a cervical spine condition was denied. The Board found that the evidence received since the October 2013 decision is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the claim.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and its associated diabetic neuropathies, finding no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents during service at Fort McClellan.

The Veteran's claim for additional disability to the left lower extremity and left forearm as a result of VA surgeries is denied. The Board found that the proximate cause of the left upper extremity disorder was less likely than not due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA in furnishing reasonable care.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to grant a rating in excess of 100 percent for PTSD and denied entitlement to a temporary total evaluation due to treatment requiring convalescence. The issues of service connection for various conditions remain on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service-connected osteoarthritis is remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and determine when prior claims were filed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy is remanded as there may be missing VA treatment records not yet associated with his file, and a new examination is needed considering the potential link between radiation exposure and peripheral neuropathy.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral eye disorder is remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and consider whether radiation exposure could have caused or contributed to his diagnosed conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disorder is remanded as there may be missing VA treatment records not yet associated with his file, and a new examination is needed considering the potential link between radiation exposure and his dental condition.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical strain with degenerative joint disease, lumbar back pain with degenerative changes, left upper extremity numbness and pain, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as the evidence does not support a nexus to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease, right ankle tendonitis, and left lower extremity polyneuropathy have been granted. The appeals are allowed to the extent of these specific conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability and remanded the claims for right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to in-service exposure. Further development is needed, including VA examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, with the latter issue being remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is presumed exposed to Agent Orange during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and his claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral upper extremity pinched nerves, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral ulnar neuropathy should be remanded due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, GERD, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy. The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) has remanded these issues due to errors in the Board’s decision-making process.,The CAVC found that the Board failed to account for the Veteran's combat status and did not make a finding regarding whether his lay statements were sufficient to establish service connection for his cervical spine disability. The CAVC also noted that the delay in diagnosis of his GERD symptoms after service was unclear.

The claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; an acquired psychiatric disorder; and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities due to conflicting medical evidence and need for further examination.