Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's thyroid condition aggravates his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy. The VA is instructed to obtain a new opinion from an endocrinologist.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to new and material evidence. However, these claims are still remanded as the VA examiner did not provide a sufficient rationale for their opinion regarding the etiology of the condition.

The Veteran's diabetes and related peripheral neuropathy disabilities are being remanded for further examination and rating consideration.

The Board denied service connection for back disability and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and active service.

The Board denied service connection for an autoimmune disease and polyneuropathy, finding no evidence of a relationship to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, residuals of a fractured right clavicle, neurological disabilities of the left leg and upper extremity, headaches, and primary insomnia are all remanded for further development.,Specifically, the Veteran needs to be examined to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and bilateral lower extremities peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand and that there is a link between such exposure and these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and its related conditions were granted with effective dates starting from January 30, 2007. The claim for diabetic retinopathy was also granted but the effective date is not specified as it falls within the same period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left feet is not related to his active service or a service-connected condition, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity neuropathy and left lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, result in a loss of use of both lower extremities that precludes locomotion without the aid of an assistive device such as a walker, cane, or wheelchair. As a result, he is eligible for financial assistance for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for median and ulnar neuropathy of the left hand since April 1, 1998 is denied. The case is remanded for further development regarding entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee and right leg conditions due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain an examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, specifically related to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is rated at 20 percent. The initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are both denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for bilateral focal median nerve entrapment neuropathy early stage carpal tunnel syndrome and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities, both secondary to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his COPD, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and arthritis. The Board also notes that the Veteran has not been provided with a VA examination for sinusitis.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease, due to herbicide exposure. The AOJ needs to verify the ship's location of USS Haleakala during the Veteran's service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the ulnar nerve to the left little and ring fingers is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for a higher ratings for his left wrist/forearm post traumatic arthritis and distal radial malunion.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of these issues by his representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination, particularly regarding his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.