Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hand tremors, paralysis agitans, and distal polyneuropathy as there is insufficient evidence to support a finding that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable during the period from January 12, 2012 to August 9, 2012. The evidence showed some functional limitations but did not indicate he was incapable of performing light duty or sedentary employment.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and eye disability (including cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome).,Service connection was also denied for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is found to be the primary cause of his right upper extremity neuropathy and acquired psychiatric disorder, leading to a determination that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a skin rash of the calves, and peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found no evidence of these conditions during or after service, and there was insufficient medical evidence to support a link between any current diagnoses and service.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD disability is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his symptoms.,The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is remanded due to insufficient evidence addressing whether it is related to burn pit exposure while serving overseas.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is remanded as there was no opinion regarding its relationship to PTSD with MDD and/or service-connected conditions, including burn pit exposure.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it had its onset in service or is otherwise related to active service.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities is remanded as there was no opinion regarding whether it is related to PTSD with MDD.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted to determine if the Veteran's right-hand disability is related to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2, and the effective date for this service connection is set at November 9, 2011.,Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities is granted with an effective date of November 9, 2011. The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities remains pending as the evidence does not support a current diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction, both found to be secondary to service-connected Parkinson's disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, Type II diabetes mellitus, and related disabilities are granted. The Board also remanded the Veteran’s claim for service connection for hypertension and a left knee disorder.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for various injuries and conditions. The claims will be returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Board granted service connection for prostate cancer, skin cancer, and neuropathy of the upper and lower bilateral extremities due to Agent Orange exposure. However, the grant was based on presumptive service connection rather than direct service connection.

The Board has ordered remand to the RO for several reasons, including obtaining non-VA care records associated with the Veteran's treatment. The matters are being returned to the Board for further adjudication.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral fingers as there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his lumbar spine disability, bilateral foot disabilities, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, and left knee degenerative arthritis due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, all claimed as due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Board has remanded these issues for a VA examination to determine if there is a link between the conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his ankle, foot, and knee disabilities. The issues of peripheral neuropathy are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss of use of the lower extremities, so he is not eligible for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder pain and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to aggravation by assistive devices used for service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in his bilateral upper and lower limbs, including as a result of exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam.