Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and related peripheral neuropathy claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been granted, with effective dates set at January 30, 2014, and January 23, 2014 respectively.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II, hypertension (heart problems), peripheral neuropathy, and PTSD due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 28, 2012 for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of each of his extremities are being remanded due to the need for further review and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, skin disorder, chronic UTIs, and inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy of the left upper and lower extremities due to presumed herbicide exposure. The VA is required to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to determine the current severity and etiology of the Veteran's disabilities, including his hand/fingers, elbows, knees, left shoulder, and back conditions. The claims have been remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his heart condition and diabetes, make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,The Veteran's left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's right upper extremity ulnar neuropathy is rated at 60 percent from December 1, 2013 onwards. The Board found that the condition more closely approximates complete paralysis of the ulnar nerve during this period.

The Veteran's renal failure with resulting voiding impairments was caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and the Board has determined that service connection is warranted. The issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity; right lower extremity; and right arm impingement with neuropathy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues related to his presumed herbicide exposure, hypertension secondary to DM, neuropathy as secondary to DM, and coronary artery disease. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional records and undergo further examinations.

The Veteran's effective date for service connection of peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities is set at November 3, 2015.,Increased ratings were denied for both lower extremity peripheral neuropathies.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with an effective date of March 20, 2014.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is denied.,A rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied.,TDIU from October 8, 2018 to present is granted.,The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus are remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, prior to August 8, 2017 is remanded.,A rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, is remanded.,Service connection for COPD and lung cancer are remanded.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity are remanded.,TDIU prior to October 8, 2018 is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied service connection for bowel incontinence and peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence for service connection determinations. The Veteran's eye disabilities and neuropathies are being reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to August 29, 2008 were denied as the evidence did not show that he filed a formal claim or an informal claim within one year of his separation from service.,The Veteran was granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and related peripheral neuropathy in July 2015. The effective date assigned is August 29, 2008.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral feet neuropathy, bilateral upper leg pain and difficulty walking, and hypertension. The appeals for headaches, anxiety attacks (including depression), and sleep apnea are remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and whether service-connected non-small cell lung cancer contributed to it.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that it is due to exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.