Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, neck disability, left knee disability, bilateral pes planus, tonsil condition, and headaches are remanded due to new evidence received since the last final denial. The VA is directed to schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for right and left upper extremity neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bladder and lung cancer.,A TDIU was granted from October 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and because of new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims are now pending with the appropriate development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for RLE and LLE peripheral neuropathy to include as secondary to service-connected right hammertoe disability due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in ears), and hypertension due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service records do not provide sufficient information to determine if he was exposed to herbicide agents while serving aboard U.S.S. Bennington and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Eight. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, fibromyalgia, and peripheral neuropathy/tingling in both hands due to incomplete examinations by the October 2018 examiner. The Veteran is not competent to provide an etiology opinion regarding her claimed disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for DMII, LLE and RLE peripheral neuropathy due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship to service. Service connection for hypertension is remanded as the Veteran's treatment records show a diagnosis but no VA examination was conducted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in a TDIU for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral upper and lower extremities has been granted but does not warrant an increased rating as it is currently evaluated based on mild to moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's right hand neuropathy is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition. His TDIU claim is also being remanded due to unclear employment information.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, as he has the physical and mental ability to perform sedentary work.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for right wrist arthritis and neuropathy is denied. The rating for right wrist arthritis remains at 10 percent, while the initial compensable rating for right wrist neuropathy prior to January 6, 2015, is denied. A higher rating for right wrist neuropathy since January 6, 2015, is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating, effective January 7, 2008. The ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy remain at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left hand disability and anemia due to conflicting examination reports and the need for further VA evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions provided by VA examiners. The issues include PTSD, right hand/finger disability, left knee and right knee disabilities, back disability, and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for prostate disability, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the hands, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the feet. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing a nexus between his current conditions and active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings based on the severity of symptoms and medical findings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not show a chronic condition within one year of discharge or that it was related to his service-connected disabilities. Increased ratings for right knee arthritis and instability were also denied.