Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD, left shoulder tenosynovitis, right shoulder tenosynovitis, lumbosacral strain, and diverticulitis have been rated at their maximum allowable levels. The Veteran’s right hand dermatitis has not met the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection was granted for neuropathy of the left upper extremity and sarcoidosis, both found to be related to military service.

The Veteran's onychomycosis, claimed as a fungus condition of the bilateral feet, is granted. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's left wrist median nerve disability is granted with a 30% rating, and his peripheral neuropathy of the LLE and RLE are granted with a 40% rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his death from pancreatic cancer.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder disability and peripheral neuropathy, as well as his claim for a TDIU prior to April 25, 2018. The appeals are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left hand neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and asthma have been denied. The claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for polyneuropathy and squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma as due to radiation exposure has been remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and potentially contacting the USAF Master Radiation Registry.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of early onset peripheral neuropathy, lower extremities (feet), finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, including as due to herbicide exposure, and for renal failure secondary to coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that VA should provide the Veteran with a VA examination for each of the service connection claims remanded as there is evidence the Veteran has a current disability or symptoms of a disability, which may be associated with service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective September 28, 2012. The other issues are not granted.

The Veteran's postoperative hernia scars and right lower extremity neuropathy have been rated at 0 percent, which is the lowest possible rating. The Board found that these conditions do not meet criteria for a higher rating.,For TDIU, the Veteran does not meet the percentage requirements under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) as his combined service-connected disability rating is only 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 10, 2018, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is dismissed. The claim for service connection for a right foot condition and a left foot condition was previously denied by a January 2009 rating decision; the Veteran did not appeal the decision and documentation constituting new and material evidence was not actually or constructively received within the one-year appeal period. New and material evidence having been received, reopening of the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability is granted. The issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease (previously ischemic heart disease) and total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and respiratory disorder due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to in-service exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's service connection claim will be analyzed on the basis of direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and determining if he meets the schedular criteria for TDIU prior to December 9, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, diabetes mellitus, type II, and right knee instability are granted. The Veteran's hernia is denied. A rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of right knee sprain with DJD is denied.