Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it began in service and has continued since.,Service connection for the low back disability is denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded cases pertaining to his diabetes mellitus, type II, and associated peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities are granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicides in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims for a heart condition, respiratory condition, migraines, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted. The claim for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, bilateral upper and lower extremity polyneuropathy, and cataracts are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his in-service exposure to herbicides. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also being remanded as new evidence indicates a current diagnosis of PTSD and anxiety disorder.,The Veteran's service connection claims will be reconsidered based on the newly received evidence, including possible in-service exposure to herbicides at Takhli RTAFB.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, and upper extremity disorders due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for erectile dysfunction was also denied. Service-connected burial benefits were not granted as the cause of death was listed as lung cancer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected disabilities were denied. The appeal is remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's wife provides assistance with daily activities such as medication management, bathing, shaving, dressing, and using the toilet.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral neurological disorder of the lower extremities, including right lateral cutaneous nerve injury and bilateral sensory motor, axonal, and demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, as secondary to service-connected right hip and bilateral knee disabilities and left plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, right leg neuropathy, left leg neuropathy, and a heart disability due to insufficient information regarding in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new examination of the veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, as his symptoms have worsened since his last VA examination in July 2015. The appellant is also advised to provide records from Dr. A.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied as there is no probative evidence showing he was exposed to herbicide agents during his service.,The Veteran's claim for right knee disability is denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to active service.,The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are denied because there is insufficient evidence to establish a secondary relationship with diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened, and he is granted service connection for headaches. Service connection for OSA is denied. The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent throughout the period under review. His type two diabetes mellitus is currently rated as 20 percent disabling with no additional peripheral neuropathy disabilities. Increased ratings are granted for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.,VA has granted the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, residuals of lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure during service in Thailand.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The claims for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity are remanded. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus, and loss of the right leg below the knee due to diabetic complications. The decision is based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Thailand.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that there is no medical evidence to support a link between the condition and the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and right ulnar neuropathy as secondary to service-connected disabilities due to insufficient opinions on whether these conditions are related to military service or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right foot peripheral neuropathy are denied. The claim for a temporary total evaluation based on convalescence following surgery is also denied as the service-connected disability was not present at the time of the surgery.