Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for 'brain fog' due to VA prescribed Gabapentin was denied because the evidence did not show that the medication caused additional disability.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has not been received to support the claims of service connection for difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. The Veteran's other claims have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to tend to the basic functions of self-care without regular assistance from another person, or vulnerable to the hazards and dangers incident to his environment. The Veteran is not entitled to SMC based on his service-connected disability ratings.

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

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims for further development and examination, including those related to respiratory, prostate, kidney, psychiatric, TBI, foot, skin, headache, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities. The Veteran is also asked to provide more information regarding his claimed stressors for PTSD.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted service connection, while left ear hearing loss and hypertension are denied. The initial ratings for upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy are also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and associated peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded for further evaluation as they have not been assessed in over six years.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. The Board has also determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and chronic renal disease as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. However, his claims for a bilateral eye condition and hypertension remain pending and need further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work experience. The Board has granted the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability, sleep apnea, generalized sensory peripheral neuropathy of upper extremities, and TMJ are not supported by the evidence. The appeals are being remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if any current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board denied increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves in both lower extremities.,The appellant's service-connected conditions are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities remain at 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for superficial peroneal sensory neuropathy of the left lower extremity and for an effective date prior to December 28, 2016 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral elbow condition, neck disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus.,Service connection was not established for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 30 percent for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathies are denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for CTS and diabetic peripheral neuropathy are still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of August 4, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability. A new opinion is needed from an appropriate examiner.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is reopened, and he is granted service connection. For the period prior to April 6, 2017, his TDIU is granted based on multiple service-connected disabilities. From April 6, 2017 onwards, the issue of TDIU is moot due to a combined schedular evaluation of 100 percent.