Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a back disability and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities to include blood clots have been denied as there is no evidence that these conditions were caused or aggravated by VA care in October 1998.,The claim to reopen the service connection for seizure disorder (now claimed as blackouts) has also been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, type II diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, heart disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of various extremities due to additional development being necessary. The Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange is not at issue as his ship USS Diamond Head was within territorial waters.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and missing treatment records. The Veteran's sensory neuropathy of the right upper extremity is being reviewed on a direct basis, with an examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected lumbar disc disease or if it was caused by his surgery for that condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is at least as likely as not a cause of his bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate examination and incomplete STRs. The Veteran's STRs from his time in Germany need to be obtained, and an addendum opinion is required.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a back disability, neuropathy of the left leg, and sleep apnea due to lack of an adequate medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted, with a 20 percent disability rating.,Diabetes mellitus, type II remains at a 20 percent disability rating.,Prostate cancer residuals are rated at 20 percent.,Erectile dysfunction does not warrant an initial compensable rating.,SMC for loss of use of a creative organ is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, heart disorder, dental disorder, cysts, lumps, and scars of the left breast, and residuals of colon cancer due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,The Board also remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression) based on in-service stressor of searching for POWs in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential exposure to Agent Orange while aboard the U.S.S. Rowan.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed neurologic disabilities, specifically peripheral neuropathy. A new examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a nexus between the conditions and service.

Service connection granted for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to service-connected diabetes.,Service connection denied for depression as it is secondary to PTSD.,Service connection denied for hair loss presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure (Agent Orange).,Service connection granted for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, which is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if his condition began during service or within one year of discharge.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and arthritis throughout the body. Service connection was granted for degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees.

The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity has been rated at 20 percent, but is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction has been rated at 20 percent, and is not entitled to a higher rating.,Prior to December 13, 2018, the Veteran's sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity was rated at 10 percent. Since then, it has been rated at 40 percent in each leg.,Prior to December 13, 2018, the Veteran's sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 10 percent. Since then, it has been rated at 40 percent in each leg.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and his service connection claims.