Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records review.

The Board denied service connection for neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, finding that it is not secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his service-connected prostate status post radical prostatectomy and bladder cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims during his April 2019 Board hearing.

The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2. From May 5, 2006 to July 27, 2011, the Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for diabetes mellitus type 2. For periods after July 28, 2011, the Veteran's diabetes is rated at 20 percent. The claim of service connection for diabetic neuropathy is remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was denied an increased rating, and initial disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were also denied.,For the appeal period from August 19, 2015 forward, higher disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were denied.

The Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to his in-service herbicide agent exposure, and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his upper extremity disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy. The Board requests a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's symptoms are indicative of peripheral neuropathy and whether they are related to in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The appeals for a compensable rating for hearing loss and service connection for sleep apnea have been dismissed.,The claim to reopen the previously denied skin condition has been granted, with service connection established for a head and face skin condition.,Service connection is being remanded for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the case.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 60 percent for asbestosis and TDIU prior to March 29, 2016. The case is being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records.

The Board has not made a final determination on the service connection claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as peripheral neuropathy. The claims are being remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction) precluded him from engaging in substantially gainful employment that is consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating issues have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that the Veteran wishes to withdraw her appeal regarding scoliosis and whether the disability rating assigned for GERD was clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The remaining issues, including those related to eczema, cervical strain/cervical radiculopathy, migraines, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, right foot plantar fasciitis/residuals of bunionectomy, and other conditions, are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected back and ankle disabilities. Service connection for neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was denied in July 2013, but no new and material evidence has been received since then.,The Veteran's nuclear sclerotic cataracts are not related to his diabetes mellitus, type II.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied as it was received after one year from discharge.,Diabetic nephropathy was first diagnosed on January 2, 2013, and its effective date is denied as it was not received within a year of diagnosis.,Left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy were all granted on July 26, 2011.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction was granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, effective July 26, 2011.,SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is denied prior to July 26, 2011.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, does not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to herbicide exposure. The claims for head trauma, right hip disorder, and right thigh disorder are also being remanded as additional VA treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the evidence and the need for updated VA treatment records. A new examination is required to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus to service or any presumptive exposure. The Veteran's symptoms began many years after separation and were attributed to various conditions including metabolic disorders, radiculopathy, and nerve entrapment.