Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's skin condition, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, heart disability, anemia, and peripheral neuropathy are all granted. The skin condition is due to herbicide exposure. Bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent from July 18, 2011 through January 19, 2012, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. Diabetes mellitus is rated at 10 percent prior to November 7, 2012, and 20 percent thereafter. The heart disability and anemia are secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU as a matter of law due to his failure to report for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, entitlement to TDIU, and entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to additional evidence being submitted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, and TDIU were denied. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied as the Veteran did not incur additional disability of the left upper extremity due to a November 2002 EMG.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right foot injury due to a lack of an addendum medical opinion addressing whether any diagnosed right foot condition is related to his claimed in-service right foot condition.

The Board denied service connection for gout, peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance of another person prior to December 20, 2019.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for SMC (l) and automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment benefits, as he does not have anatomical loss or use of both feet, one hand and one foot. The decision was based on the current evidence showing no functional impairment requiring aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder and lumbar spine disorders, and peripheral neuropathy. The issues are related to whether these conditions are secondary to a service-connected cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral vision condition and sleep disorder has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension (due to herbicide exposure) and digestive condition secondary to PTSD have been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his PTSD is being remanded.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a digestive condition and peripheral neuropathy in the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded.

The Board denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus (DMT2) and related secondary conditions. The case was remanded for additional development regarding a breathing condition.,Service connection for anatomical loss of the bilateral lower extremities and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, both claimed as secondary to DMT2, were denied. The case was also remanded for an addendum VA medical opinion on a breathing condition.,The Board denied service connection for stroke, which was claimed as secondary to DMT2. The case was also remanded for additional development regarding a breathing condition.,Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus (DMT2) and related secondary conditions were denied. Service connection for a breathing condition, to include asbestosis, was remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of medical opinions regarding the service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, respiratory disability (asthma and COPD), back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, headache disability, polymyalgia rheumatica, rheumatoid arthritis, and voiding dysfunction are not service-connected. The claims for these conditions have been remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is granted with a rating of 20 percent, but no higher.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type I, coronary artery disease, neuropathy, and bilateral eye disorder due to incomplete development. The claims are inextricably intertwined with his increased rating and TDIU claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents, as there is insufficient evidence to confirm his alleged exposure during his service in Thailand. The claims will be returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU for accrued purposes.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy and other service-connected conditions have been granted increased ratings, and a TDIU has been granted for the period from June 10, 2011 to April 22, 2013. The case is remanded for additional development.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, combined with other disabilities, rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment from October 2, 2006 to May 27, 2011. TDIU was granted effective October 2, 2006.