Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board denied a higher rating for the right wrist cyst and granted a 20 percent rating, but not higher, for neuropathy of the right wrist from February 2, 2011. The decision is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection: an acquired psychiatric disorder, irritable colon syndrome, IVDS, and sciatic neuropathy of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and MDD are based on private evaluations finding that he meets DSM-5 criteria for PTSD. For gastrointestinal and low back disorders, VA examinations are needed to determine if they are related to service. Regarding sciatic neuropathy, a medical opinion is required if IVDS is established.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, both to include as due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right upper extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to missing VA treatment records from 1997 to 2000, including under the Veteran's misspelled name.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents, including prostate cancer residuals and diabetes mellitus with neuropathy. The bladder disorder and erectile dysfunction claims are also remanded as they are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus was granted. The increased ratings for right upper and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathies were denied, while the rating for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remained at 20 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding that there is no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the lower extremity condition.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current residuals of a broken left collarbone are related to his in-service 1971 motor vehicle accident, and the issue is remanded for further action.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, peripheral vascular disease of the left and right lower extremities, and ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) during military service. The evidence did not reach equipoise on any issue.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar, bladder, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities as well as a migraine headache rating. The gynecological disability claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last denial.

The Board has restored service connection for right lower extremity and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the severance of these conditions from service connection was improper due to evidence showing a relationship with in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and bilateral neuropathy, as well as his right flatfoot condition. The claims for a surgical scar of the right foot and diabetic foot ulcers have been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type 2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral hands and feet are remanded due to potential exposure to herbicides during his military service. Additional development is needed, including obtaining deck logs from his ships and any outstanding medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for right hand disability and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient opinions regarding direct service connection, aggravation, and the need for new examinations.

The Veteran's neck or cervical spine disability is being remanded for an addendum opinion to determine if it is related to service-connected back disability.,The Veteran's lower extremity neuropathy (claimed as meralgia paresthetica) is being remanded for an addendum opinion to determine if it is caused by obesity, which may be aggravated by the service-connected low back disability.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, and no higher.,The Veteran's left foot numbness with plantar fasciitis (left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy) is rated at 20 percent from January 10, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including blurred vision, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, poor circulation in the legs, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and fecal leakage, all claimed as secondary to diabetes. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, IBS, sinusitis, bronchitis, chronic headaches, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity have all been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.