Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected foot conditions and right upper extremity neuropathy. The claims for higher ratings, effective dates, and service connection are pending.

The Veteran's diabetes, prostate cancer residuals, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent each. The Board found no evidence to warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to use of custom insoles/sling supports was denied as shoes are not classified as articles of 'clothing' that can be damaged by wear and tear for purposes of a VA clothing allowance.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection and increased rating for fibromyalgia due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and are not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran’s diabetic neuropathy of the left upper extremity was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran’s diabetic neuropathy of the right upper extremity was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, initial increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathy, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to incomplete compliance with its previous remand instructions.

The Board has granted service connection for plantar fasciitis as secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The claim to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the feet is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate evidence regarding his exposure to contaminated water and Gulf War environmental hazards, as well as outstanding service treatment records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an increased rating for PTSD are being remanded due to missing VA medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II (DMII), and peripheral neuropathy of all extremities due to new evidence received after the September 2012 rating decision. The Veteran's exposure is alleged to be from in-country Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to his service-connected PTSD is granted. The claims for service connection for neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity are denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, femoral peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and left lower extremity have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a 20 percent rating for sciatic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity has been granted, subject to further development.,The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicides, including arteriosclerotic heart disease, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral retinopathy, neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, as well as issues related to his service-connected diabetes. The remand requires obtaining relevant reports from the U.S. Army and other agencies.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease requires further examination and opinion due to the lack of a specific diagnosis in his October 2014 statement. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is moot given the existing SMC rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of recent VA examination reports, and the claim for a TDIU will be reconsidered with these new documents.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's conditions include chronic UTIs, laryngopharyngeal reflux, fibromyalgia, and polyneuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding VA and private treatment records not being associated with the claims file. The Veteran needs to provide updated medical evidence from Baptist Medical Center Montclair.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathies are rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines, with no higher ratings granted. The Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU prior to November 22, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy (upper and lower extremities), and diabetic retinopathy due to new evidence or further clarification of the etiology.