Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity neuropathy is rated at the highest possible under DC 8512, resulting in a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to December 6, 2012. The Veteran also received increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined evaluation did not meet the minimum combined rating criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Veteran's claim for a respiratory disorder other than asthma, including restrictive lung disease and COPD is denied.,The Veteran's claim for left fifth finger peripheral neuropathy is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient examination reports and missing appointments.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran is in need of aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including considering his service-connected PTSD, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and shell fragment wounds.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The Veteran has been granted a TDIU, but it does not affect his current appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and procedural issues. The claims will be adjudicated again after all requested actions are completed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions and need for clarification regarding the etiology of syncopal episodes, peripheral neuropathy, and any neurological disorders. The claims are related to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for HIV and peripheral neuropathy due to prostate procedures at Memphis VAMC, as there is insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's HIV. The VA must obtain additional records and provide a medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction, are causing him significant functional impairment. The Board has ordered additional examinations to assess his current disability status and its impact on employment.

The Veteran's type two diabetes mellitus and related diabetic neuropathies are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion is inadequate for decision making purposes and remands the case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board dismissed all claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his TDIU claim is moot due to the 100% schedular rating he received effective June 23, 2011.

The Board has denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a cervical spine disability, to include neuropathy, as the evidence does not support that these conditions were incurred in or caused by active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the grant of PTSD. The remaining issues were denied as not supported by evidence or secondary to pre-existing conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, and erectile dysfunction. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current respiratory disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis, nerve condition, or headaches related to service. The Veteran's prostate cancer and hypertension are also not linked to his exposure to mustard gas, herbicide agents, or other chemicals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have met the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his education and occupational experience qualify him to perform gainful employment. The Board finds that reasonable doubt must be resolved in favor of the Veteran due to his unemployability caused by his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates due to incomplete development and issuance of a statement of the case.