Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's oral lichen planus was denied service connection as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.,Service connection for neuropathy of the left arm and hand was also denied due to lack of any recent diagnosis prior to the filing of the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to new evidence submitted. However, further development is needed as the AOJ must verify the Veteran's claimed herbicide exposure during his military service at Udorn RTAFB.

The Board has denied increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The appeal is being remanded to further develop evidence.,Service connection for a skin disability due to herbicide exposure is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypertension, erectile dysfunction, residuals of prostatitis, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, tremors, acquired psychiatric disorder, and skin condition due to incomplete examinations and lack of exposure information.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Beginning September 19, 2015, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes is presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam, and he has been granted service connection for this condition. However, the Board found no evidence of current peripheral neuropathy in any extremity, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted a rating of 20 percent for the period prior to October 25, 2019 and a rating of 30 percent starting from that date. The Veteran's coronary artery disease remains at a 60 percent rating. For the period prior to May 19, 2015, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of all extremities is granted with an effective date of August 6, 2003. The claim was also found to encompass a claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, sciatica in the right lower extremity, and acquired psychiatric disorder (chronic adjustment disorder). The issues are being remanded to obtain updated medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 40 percent for ulnar nerve neuropathy of the right hand, effective June 17, 2010.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of increased rating for DMII and service connection for LUE peripheral neuropathy due to lack of information on current severity and etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 18, 2018.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right hip disability is denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are also denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be so severe that they render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune, including for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and Charcot foot. The VA is instructed to schedule an examination to determine if these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service. Service connection is established on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his period of service, and therefore, service connection for tinnitus is denied.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left upper extremity neuropathy. Service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy is not warranted.,For the period prior to May 29, 2018, the Veteran's left elbow disability manifested in arthritis with normal range of motion and no pain on examination. A noncompensable rating is appropriate from that time. From May 29, 2018, a 10 percent rating is appropriate for limitation of flexion.,For the period prior to May 29, 2018, the Veteran's left elbow disability manifested in arthritis with normal range of motion and no pain on examination. A noncompensable rating is appropriate from that time. From May 29, 2018, a noncompensable rating is appropriate for limitation of extension.,Service connection for arthritis (claimed as gout) is remanded.,Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded.,Service connection for residuals of TBI is remanded.,Service connection for headache is remanded.,Service connection for a vision disability is remanded.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded.,Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetic neuropathy do not prevent him from securing or following any form of substantially gainful employment.