Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition. The Board also remanded the issues regarding his bilateral ankle disabilities due to insufficient examination findings.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions, including service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy, made it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 3, 2009, to June 14, 2016, and from October 1, 2016, to August 1, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg neurological disability, respiratory disability (COPD), and total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to July 19, 2016 due to inadequate examinations. The issues are related to his in-service asbestos and lead exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot due to the concurrent assignment of a 100 percent rating for service-connected disabilities and SMC benefits. The SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance claim is denied as the evidence does not show that the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted, with a 10% rating assigned for bilateral hearing loss. The appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure are remanded.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and medical opinions provided were not in compliance with the November 2020 remand directives, thus requiring another remand for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for left leg sciatica, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and service connection for right leg sciatica due to incomplete responses in a previous VA opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for insomnia is remanded due to a lack of recent examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for C2-C3 post traumatic neuralgia (diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine) is remanded because the VA examiner did not specifically address his claim and there was insufficient information about the location of his degenerative arthritis in the C2-C3 region.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for numbness left arm and right arm (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) are remanded due to a lack of recent examination and because the VA examiner did not provide a direct service connection opinion.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for L3-L4 diffuse disc bulging/L2-L5 lumbar spondylosis is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding continuity of care after service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypercalcemia (also claimed as a skin condition) is remanded because the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information about his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee chondromalacia is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding continuity of care after service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for abnormal myeloma cells (diagnosed as monoclonal gammopathy and leukopenia) is remanded because the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information about his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that additional remand is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis and peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board dismissed all the appeals as they are related to deceased Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed Vietnam service and exposure to herbicide agents. The Board will also consider the secondary service connection issues as they are inextricably intertwined with the primary claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes and related peripheral neuropathies are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating prior to January 6, 2014, is inextricably intertwined with his other service-connected disability claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and PTSD have been remanded due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the onset of symptoms. The Board will seek a VA examination to determine if there is direct service connection or if herbicide exposure contributed.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to be the cause of his peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and this secondary relationship has been established.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations obtained are inadequate and remands the cases for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and its associated peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear diagnosis and symptoms related to service-connected bilateral pes planus. An addendum opinion is needed from the June 2021 foot examiner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.