Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, left and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as he withdrew these claims at a hearing. The Veteran was granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service aboard USS Bennington (CVS-20). The claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathies, and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to this exposure determination.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower neuropathy, including peripheral neuropathy of the right femoral nerve, was granted an increased evaluation to 20 percent for the entire period on appeal from March 18, 1998.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has ordered a new examination to assess the severity of his disability, including changes in his Neurontin prescription and clarification on the impact of his diabetic peripheral neuropathy versus residual manifestations of his stroke.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and ischemic heart disease were denied as there was no evidence of current disabilities meeting the criteria for VA purposes. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to lack of a current disability that precludes gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities is granted with a rating of 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents, including diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction. The decision is pending further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity due to diabetes mellitus, type II, is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, aggravated his claimed peripheral neuropathy involving the right ulnar nerve. The claim is being returned for a new addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal as it is no longer relevant.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary MDD and history of alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, associated left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and associated right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remain denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) on account of the loss of use of both lower extremities, finding that his peripheral neuropathy did not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder, right knee arthroplasty, and right lateral popliteal cutaneous neuropathy have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since September 11, 2012.

The Veteran's special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or on being housebound is denied because he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss due to noise exposure during active duty. Service connection is also granted for tinnitus as it was likely caused by noise exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension, chronic bronchitis, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, colonic polyps, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gout, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, dermatophytosis of toe nails, and tinea pedis are being remanded for further development as they may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with its March 2016 remand directive and provide an adequate VA examination. The Veteran's TDIU claim is being referred for extraschedular consideration prior to July 22, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities due to insufficient evidence and lack of substantial compliance with previous directives.