Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of diabetes mellitus and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so both need to be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence to support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for basal cell carcinoma, polyneuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, and OSA due to a lack of an opinion regarding their relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicide agents during military service and to obtain additional opinions regarding the etiology of his aortic valve condition. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development due to the receipt of new treatment records.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted.,Service connection for neuropathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus is granted.,Service connection for neuropathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus is granted.,Service connection for nephropathy (kidney disease) as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is granted.,Service connection for colon cancer due to herbicide exposure is granted.,Service connection for hypertension due to herbicide exposure is granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, sleep apnea with exercise-induced asthma, right shoulder rotator cuff tear residuals, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, cerebrovascular accident residuals, and seborrheic dermatitis. The remand includes obtaining updated medical records, scheduling examinations for each condition, and determining appropriate ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and related peripheral neuropathy conditions. The Veteran's vision problems were found not to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right upper extremity ulnar neuropathy prior to December 17, 2012 is remanded. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of onset during or within one year after service, and no link to Agent Orange exposure. The appeal was also remanded for further development regarding special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that there may be additional relevant VA treatment records not yet obtained, and the claims are being remanded to obtain these records.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and TDIU have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for PTSD has been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases for issuance of an SOC addressing the issues of higher ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The TDIU issue is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus type II (DM II), and prostate cancer due to herbicide agent exposure have been granted. The claim for secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy of each extremity due to DM II has also been granted.,Service connection is established for the Veteran’s peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus type II (DM II), and prostate cancer based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's upper and lower extremity neuropathy is secondary to diabetes mellitus type II or related to service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions to address the Veteran's mental health conditions and nerve disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as these are inextricably intertwined with the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The RO should adjudicate the supplemental claim of diabetes mellitus, type II before readjudicating the peripheral neuropathy claims.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as neuropathy of the left lower extremity, are being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II are granted service connection as due to herbicide agent exposure. The Board has remanded for further examination on the remaining issues.