Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and vascular disorders have been denied.,The Veteran's claim of diabetes mellitus has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for right upper extremity neuropathy and a right shoulder disability, as secondary to his right upper extremity neuropathy. The remand includes obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for higher evaluations of his service-connected conditions, including coronary artery disease with unstable angina and diabetes mellitus, type II, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and updated SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU benefits.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for ischemic optic neuropathy of both eyes and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as due to herbicide exposure. The issues of service connection for erectile dysfunction, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, skin disability, and dental disorder are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development due to unclear attribution of symptoms and need for clarification regarding which conditions are caused by the Veteran's service-connected right index finger disability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's right knee, left leg disability (other than as related to left knee or left lower extremity radiculopathy), and fractures of the right tibia and fibula. The remaining issues include service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, a rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee arthritis with instability, and residuals of a fracture of the right tibia and fibula prior to June 23, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is at least as likely as not to have caused or aggravated his bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons for denying the Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity. The new evidence submitted by a private registered nurse supports that the Veteran’s left extremity neuropathy is related to his bilateral foot neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for skin rash, groin area is reopened and remanded. Other claims are also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, a psychiatric disorder (vascular dementia), and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides in Thailand.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from obtaining and following a substantially gainful occupation since October 5, 2015. The Board granted the TDIU rating with an effective date of October 5, 2015.

An effective date of December 3, 2009 is granted for the award of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity.,A disability rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for onychomycosis or residuals thereof, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, renal insufficiency, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities all as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his military service. The claim for diabetes mellitus, type II has been reopened and is now pending as the Veteran provided new evidence suggesting he served in Vietnam.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to have been caused by his service in Vietnam based on his reported exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the inextricably intertwined nature of the issues, specifically the service connection for gastritis. The VA must obtain all relevant records and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his severe back pain and heart condition, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.