Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and benefits were denied. The right lower extremity below the knee amputation is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5165.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his stump scar was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was not caused by or made worse by VA treatment, and the Board found insufficient evidence to support a claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board previously denied service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct a new examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for type 2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to type 2 diabetes mellitus have been granted. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. The appellant is still entitled to consider presumptive service connection if further development confirms exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 28, 2005. TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's progressive peripheral polyneuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is found to be related to his exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange, during service. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neurological disabilities, as these were not adequately addressed in the previous decision. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his service connection claims for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and sensory fiber neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. The appeals are now remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's work duties were not clearly documented as placing him near the perimeter of Udorn Air Force Base.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, but the Board finds that it does not meet or more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,There is no current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. The Veteran has hypertension which predates his diabetes and there is no evidence of ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's increased rating for PTSD claim is granted with a disability rating of 100% effective August 15, 2017.,Service connection for hypothyroidism and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected bilateral shoulder disability and his peripheral neuropathy affecting his upper extremities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the left and right legs, as they may be related to in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The issues are being addressed due to a lack of VA examination and incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower sciatic and anterior crural nerves is being remanded due to unclear nature and severity of his symptoms, including hip and thigh pain.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran is presumed exposed to herbicide agents during service, but further clarification on his exposure at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of diabetic nephropathy has been denied as there is no current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits prior to November 13, 2015 have also been denied.

The Board has determined that the remand directives were not substantially complied with and thus, the claims for service connection for right upper extremity neuropathy and a right shoulder disability are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus has been granted a higher rating of 40 percent effective from December 16, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities and for a compensable rating for migraine headaches due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the presence and etiology of these conditions.