Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted, while the issues of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for SMC, service connection for a skin condition, and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an examination. The new claims of service connection and increased ratings will be adjudicated after these issues.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU prior to April 25, 2012 must be decided by the evidence of record. The Board finds that a TDIU is granted effective April 25, 2012, but remands the issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to this date.

Your appeals for increased disability ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal through his representative.

The Board has found insufficient evidence to adjudicate the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The claim is therefore remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, finding that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the condition is proximately due or the result of his diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant are remanded due to the need for substantial compliance with prior Board directives.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain and bilateral lower extremities due to a lack of consideration of the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claim for a retrospective examination to assess the impact of service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's work capacity during the period from April 21, 2014 to February 1, 2016. The effective date is not addressed as it pertains to the retroactive application of a 100% schedular rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, obstructive sleep apnea, and right hip disability are granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of bilateral feet frostbite injuries. The claim for DDD of the lumbar spine is denied.

The Veteran's death was caused by liver cirrhosis, which the Board finds may be related to his alcohol abuse disorder. The cause of death claim is REMANDED for a new VA opinion on whether PTSD with anxiety led to or aggravated the alcohol abuse disorder and thus contributed to the Veteran’s death. For the lower and upper extremities conditions, the claims are also REMANDED as they are inextricably intertwined with the service connection for the cause of death claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, a left-hand disability (other than carpal tunnel syndrome), a right-hand disability (other than carpal tunnel syndrome), neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and neuropathy of the right lower extremity.,The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of left ear hearing loss or any other hand or lower extremity disabilities. The Veteran's symptoms were not supported by medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the claim for TDIU due to new evidence and issues not adequately addressed in previous decisions.

The appeal of the claim for service connection for chronic body pain is dismissed.,The applications to reopen claims for service connection for lupus, a lung disorder, and hypertension are denied as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremities due to outstanding VA medical records not being obtained. A VA examination is needed to determine if any currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy disabilities are caused or aggravated by service, including his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, as he continued to work full-time or receive leave benefits.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the service connection claims for tremor and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral feet. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with the remand directives.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and a sleep disturbance are remanded due to incomplete service records.,The Veteran's claims for low back disability and associated peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to incomplete service records.,The Veteran's claim for COPD is remanded due to incomplete service records.,The Veteran's claim for exposure to tuberculosis is remanded due to incomplete service records.,Incomplete VA treatment records are needed for all claims.,Outstanding private and federal records need to be obtained for the Veteran’s claims.,A VA examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, sleep disturbance, low back disability, peripheral neuropathy, COPD, and tuberculosis.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.,SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person from November 2014 through February 2015 was granted, but after that period it was denied.