Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical evidence and because of the need to determine if the USS Tolovana was within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of Vietnam while he served aboard. The hearing loss claim is also being remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. The case requires a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for severe axonal sensori-motor polyneuropathy in both lower extremities have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease are granted service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicides. Tinnitus is also granted service connection due to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for a renal condition and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remains pending as the Veteran has not been examined regarding these conditions. Bilateral SNHL's service connection is denied.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent since November 23, 2007.,Beginning June 1, 2008, the Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and nervous tremors due to exposure to herbicide agents.,All aspects of the Veteran's contentions should be addressed in the etiology opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding that there is no evidence showing a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's scars are rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board does not find it meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to herbicide exposure for further development, including verification of exposure and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and unclear periods of active duty. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions, including back condition, neck condition, neuropathy of the left upper extremity (LUE), and sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, diabetes, tinnitus, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy) combine to render him unemployable. The Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced for and against this claim due to significant diabetic-related and psychiatric impairment.

All claims for service connection related to bilateral otosclerosis with impaired hearing, post-operative stapedectomies have been dismissed.,The claim for service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to bilateral otosclerosis with impaired hearing, post-operative stapedectomies is remanded.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, type II diabetes mellitus, and diabetic neuropathy, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. As such, TDIU is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy, including as due to herbicide exposure. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and axonal neuropathy of the lower extremities, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to October 29, 2014. Effective October 29, 2014 onward, he was granted a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and its related peripheral neuropathies as well as high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, and sleep apnea, all of which were claimed to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including scoliosis, prostate disability, lumbar spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and radiculopathy. The Veteran's representative was not informed of completed actions regarding these matters.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy have been reopened.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea have also been reopened.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board will consider reopening his claims and assigning appropriate disability ratings.