Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of neck disability, left arm disability, and ischemic optic neuropathy. The VA examinations were inadequate due to lack of supporting rationale and consideration of the Veteran's lay statements. New VA examinations are required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been denied.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is reopened and remanded due to new evidence submitted since the last denial in November 2009.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for left lower extremity numbness and weakness (claimed as bilateral legs peripheral neuropathy) are reopened and remanded due to new evidence submitted since the last denial in November 2002.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for right leg neuropathy is remanded due to his diabetes mellitus type II.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder is remanded.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability individual unemployability (TDIU) rating.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left legs is granted, as it was first manifested within one year of his separation from active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bone/joint pain in toes, neuropathy bilateral feet, bone/joint pain in hands, bilateral hand condition, bone/joint pain in knees, bilateral knee condition, and bone/joint pain in legs, bilateral leg condition. The claim for frequent urination was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he has been granted a TDIU. The initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus remains at 20 percent, with the claims for peripheral neuropathy on both upper and lower extremities being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin disorders, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and PTSD due to incomplete development during previous remands. The claims are now pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance prior to April 24, 2018 was denied as he did not meet the legal criteria for a full step increase under subsection (p) due to lack of additional single permanent disability independently ratable at 100 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions. The claims will be reconsidered after all requested development is completed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete examination reports and issues related to TDIU.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. The Board has remanded the cases for further development regarding hypertension and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy, but remanded due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the extent and nature of his peripheral neuropathy. The claims for left upper, right upper, and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy are also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral neuropathy of the upper extremities is proximately due to, or the result of, her service-connected degenerative disc disease, cervical spine. The claim for secondary service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for sleep apnea, neurocognitive disorder, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Board has ordered a remand for an adequate VA opinion regarding the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, including whether it is related to herbicide agent exposure during service. The remand also includes obtaining any outstanding treatment records and scheduling an examination if deemed necessary.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back, left knee, right knee, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy due to in-service marching, standing, and loading/unloading duties.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as there is no current disability related to active service.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic colon cancer, which the appellant claims is related to his service. The Board finds that a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran’s exposure to herbicide agents at least as likely as not directly caused his colon cancer.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death, and no effective dates are being assigned as the claims have become moot.