Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition and related issues are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.

The appeal is dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn all remaining issues on appeal. The AOJ will issue an SOC regarding the initial evaluations and effective date for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his shrapnel wound residuals and service connection for a right lower extremity muscle injury were denied. The Board found moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, warranting a 40% disability rating. Service connection was granted for a right lower extremity muscle injury. However, the claim for service connection for a back disability is remanded due to inadequate examination report.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to non-compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because he does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,The Veteran's claims for colon cancer and skin cancer have been remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities prior to July 13, 2015 was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,For the period from July 13, 2015 onwards, the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities were also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, effective from the date of his death. The issue of entitlement to SMC on account of being housebound is considered moot due to the grant of the greater benefit.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his peripheral neuropathy, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and ischemic heart disease. The issues are related to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic kidney disease, diabetes, neuropathy in bilateral upper and lower extremities, Meniere's syndrome, and sleep apnea are all granted due to the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) during his Vietnam service. The Board found that these conditions were related to his Agent Orange exposure and hypertension.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and its associated peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been granted. The claims are based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Korea.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination in connection with the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities have been remanded.

The Veteran's radiculopathy/neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted as secondary to his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome with spinal stenosis. The issues of a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding secondary service connection and aggravation of peripheral neuropathy by diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with other claims for increased ratings, and thus must be addressed together.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, with the Board finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether it is solely due to these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted.,For issues related to peripheral neuropathy and coronary artery disease, additional evidence is needed as they are remanded for further review.