Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further investigation regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral lower extremity disability, including idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, claimed as the result of an undiagnosed illness and/or herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran served aboard the USS Blue Ridge in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ulnar nerve neuropathy, including as secondary to his service-connected right finger laceration residuals. The evidence did not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in a loss of use of any extremity, and he is not service connected for a severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an eye disability, or an inhalation injury. Therefore, the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation are not met.

The Veteran's claim for SMC-AA was granted from December 12, 2008, and no earlier. The effective date is based on the VA examination showing that the Veteran required regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service, which is necessary for determining his claims of service connection for cardiovascular disorder and peripheral neuropathy. The claims are also inextricably intertwined with those for right and left foot disorders.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent since May 1, 2019. The Board also granted TDIU based on the combined effects of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease was reduced from 60% to 10%, effective January 1, 2012. The reduction is denied as the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy prior to December 19, 2017, and a rating of 60 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that he needed assistance with all activities of daily living due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for neuropathy prior to July 19, 2012 was denied. A rating of 20 percent or more for the same condition from July 19, 2012 to February 11, 2015 was granted. The claim is being remanded due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, dermatitis, COPD, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and related conditions prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, necessitating a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded for further examination regarding his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy. The appeal is not about service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his inability to appear for VA examinations. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the five issues on appeal due to additional evidence being added to the claims file. The Veteran was notified and had the opportunity to waive AOJ review, but chose for his case to be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis due to potential exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, finding that his symptoms are more likely due to diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The claim for DDD of the spine is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a neurological bilateral foot disability, diagnosed as small fiber sensory neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in and since service.

The Board has granted service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower and upper extremity neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy. The issue of service connection for hypertension is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion.