Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both the right and left lower extremities, finding that it is more likely than not related to the Veteran's military service, including his exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted at a rating of 70 percent, effective June 16, 2013. Other claims are either denied or remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, secondary to diabetes. The Veteran's current condition is related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence that the disability meets or approximates the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.,The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms, including tingling, numbness, and pain, did not meet the criteria for more than mild incomplete paralysis of the upper and lower extremities.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, hip disabilities, immune system and digestive tract disabilities, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities. Additional evidence is needed, as well as clarification on the nature and etiology of some conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hip disability, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right thumb disability, left ankle disability, or bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis) related to his service-connected knee disabilities. The claims are being REMANDED for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to alleged exposure to herbicides in Thailand during the Vietnam Era. The decision also notes that further inquiry is required regarding the Veteran’s claimed exposure to herbicides, including through unit histories from the Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic skin condition and hypertension have been reopened, but the underlying claims are denied.,Service connection is granted for PTSD with anxiety disorder and depression prior to September 1, 2017, at a rating of 70 percent. The claim remains pending as it was not fully resolved.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy have been granted. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension due to potential herbicide exposure or secondary to diabetes.

The Board denied increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the right and left lower extremities, and diabetic nephropathy with hypertension.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore the claim for service connection for cause of death is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding an increased evaluation for post traumatic neuropathy of the right wrist and hand. The Veteran's right thumb arthritis was granted a 10 percent evaluation, but no higher, for periods prior to February 11, 2009 and from April 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010. For all other periods on appeal, the Veteran's right thumb arthritis is denied. The Board also granted a TDIU for the period from February 26, 2009 through February 2, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including heart disorder, prostate cancer, kidney disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The remand requires additional development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service aboard the U.S.S. Hancock.

The Board has remanded four separate issues related to peripheral neuropathy of the Veteran's upper and lower extremities due to insufficient evidence on direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, or peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed due to his death.

The petition to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes was granted. The petitions to reopen claims for service connection for a heart condition, hypertension, eye conditions, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted service connection. Service connection for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has dismissed all claims related to the Veteran's death, including service connection and rating issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to issues related to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's respiratory disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and neurocognitive disorder (dementia) are all being reviewed in light of potential secondary service connection.