Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service connection claim for CAD is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The claims for increased ratings of diabetes mellitus, left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, Grave's disease, and lumbar spine disability are all granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed visits to Saigon, Vietnam. The underlying claim for diabetes mellitus, type II, will be considered in conjunction with these other conditions.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for left lower extremity (LLE) peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity (RLE) peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction (ED), all claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II. The claims are remanded due to the unadjudicated claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, lumbar spine DDD, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and tinnitus, have precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work experience.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted a rating of 40 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypertension are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The issues of service connection for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity remain on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded as new VA treatment records may provide relevant information.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including TMJ dysfunction, left upper and lower extremity neuropathy, restless leg syndrome with body twitches, and sleep apnea. The TBI residuals issue is also being remanded for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral foot and knee conditions, finding that the Veteran's pes planus preexisted service and was not aggravated by in-service activities. The neuropathy of the feet is not related to service, while the knee osteoarthritis is attributed to intercurrent causes.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to insufficient evidence in the previous examination report.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective November 18, 2009. He also receives additional SMC benefits for need of aid and attendance and housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability. The effective dates for granting service connection were set at October 28, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, including as due to in-service herbicide exposure or secondary to service-connected chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), due to inadequate examination by a neurologist.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left shoulder condition is rated at 30 percent effective February 16, 2010. His right hand index and ring finger limitation of motion are currently rated at 10 percent effective November 21, 2019. The Veteran's right hand neuropathy remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted, and the RO is instructed to obtain relevant medical records from DoD and private providers.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board also remanded the matter of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities prior to December 12, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents and secondary service connection. The Veteran's heart disorder, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy are also being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for right upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity neuropathies due to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraine headaches and a bilateral foot disorder, to include peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate development of the evidence.