Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower radicular groups, right and left sciatic nerves, and right and left femoral nerves have been granted at a 40 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, but dismissed the claim for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's lower extremity neuropathy is related to his service or his lumbar spondylosis.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus and bilateral neuropathy of lower extremities secondary to herbicide exposure due to new evidence received since the last decision.

The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted service connection. Service connection for the remaining conditions (right hip, knee, elbow nerve, and musculoskeletal foot) is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted prior to March 14, 2017, due to the assignment of a schedular 100 percent total disability rating effective that date. The combined effects of all service-connected disabilities precluded substantially gainful employment prior to March 14, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and argument submitted by the appellant, requiring further development of the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for femoral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

Service connection for vertigo (dizziness) has been granted.,Service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral feet, as distinct from service-connected radiculopathy and paresthesias due to fibromyalgia, has been denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, has been granted service connection. The other issues have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for tinnitus has been granted. The initial rating for major depressive disorder remains denied. The effective date for service connection of major depressive disorder is not earlier than April 15, 2016.,Remaining claims for service connection are pending and need further development.

The Board denied service connection for Parkinson’s disease and remanded other issues due to insufficient evidence. Service connection was granted for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as glaucoma (eye disability), paronychia/onychia, sleep apnea, colon polyps, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypothyroidism.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II and foot neuropathy due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent and there is no evidence of more than one daily injection of insulin or restricted diet and regulation of activities.

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

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness is remanded. The decision requires a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current neuropathy is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment since June 15, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation during the period of November 15, 2018 to April 9, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that it is related to his PTSD-induced alcohol dependence.

The Veteran's diabetes and related conditions are service-connected prior to his death, with the cause of death being attributed to these conditions. DIC benefits are granted based on this service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and polyneuropathy, finding that he was not precluded from obtaining or maintaining employment solely based on these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating and TDIU.