Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's son, N.F., is recognized as a helpless child of the Veteran due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching age 18.,Service connection granted for ischemic heart disease (atherosclerotic heart disease) based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities have been dismissed. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure has also been denied.

An effective date of September 25, 2013, but not earlier, for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left eye conjunctivitis and ischemic optic neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinion regarding the cause of his current eye condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is granted at a 20% rating, effective from April 15, 2019. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with the claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information regarding his exposure at Fort McClellan, and also requested a medical opinion on whether his diagnosed conditions represent early onset peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his death was not caused by any disability incurred in or aggravated by his service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and its associated peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicide agents, as well as other environmental toxins. The Veteran's exposure at Fort McClellan is being verified, and a VA examination will be provided if necessary.

The Veteran's initial rating for type II diabetes mellitus was denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.,For right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, ratings of 10 percent prior to July 21, 2014, were granted. Ratings of 20 percent from July 21, 2014 to October 19, 2015, and greater than 20 percent since then, were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his diabetes and stroke residuals, result in significant functional impairment that necessitates the need for regular aid and assistance from another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing service treatment records and the need for further examination.

Service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted with an effective date of January 8, 2010. The Veteran's claim for service connection for eczema is dismissed as moot. Service connection for COPD and psychiatric disorder are reopened. Service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is established.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA examinations for various conditions.

Service connection is granted for residuals of cold injury of the left and right lower extremities, as well as neuropathy of the hands and arms. The Veteran's knee and psychiatric claims are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and continuous post-service symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and insufficient evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's applications to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence received since the February 2010 rating decision did not provide a new or material nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his in-service exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a continuity of symptoms since service.