Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities and grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, effective August 12, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and residuals of myocardial infarction due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

Service connection granted for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, OSA, hypertension, heart condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder. Other issues are either denied or remanded.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart disease, stroke residuals, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities due to their relationship with the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and evaluation of various disabilities, including a lumbar spine disability, bilateral foot disabilities other than neuropathy, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the feet, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, and entitlement to TDIU. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's initial higher ratings for service-connected prostate cancer treatment residuals, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy associated with DM, HTN and ED, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic dermopathy, left lower extremity PN, right lower extremity PN, scars, status post coronary artery bypass graft surgery, prostatectomy and bilateral AKAs, and erectile dysfunction have been denied.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected scars has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of his spouse is denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish that she required regular assistance with daily living activities.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral ankle condition, headaches, diabetes mellitus type II, sleep disorders, heart condition, jaw condition, and several neurological conditions. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition (PTSD) was granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to April 25, 2017 was denied as the evidence did not show he was unemployable due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The appeals for earlier effective dates were dismissed as a matter of law.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disability, urinary incontinence, residuals of a TBI, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy, to include as due to a service connected disability, and total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service connected disabilities. Additional development is required including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding its etiology. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the condition is related to Agent Orange exposure or service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new VA medical records not previously considered.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal for restoring a 20% rating for left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and the Board dismissed the case.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of a left knee disability and neuropathy of the right and left foot due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claims for service connection of right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus are service-connected.,Service connection is granted for right ear hearing loss, cold weather damage of the lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy, and muscle damage. Additional development is needed to determine if these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. Service connection was denied for diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,An increased rating for PFB residuals (pseudofolliculitis barbae) is remanded, as new examination findings may be necessary given changes in VA rating criteria.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various foot and leg conditions due to the Veteran's death.