Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right knee patellofemoral syndrome (right knee disability), and left knee patellofemoral syndrome (left knee disability) due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Autonomic Neuropathy due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand instructions. The Veteran's claim for Aid and Attendance is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and a cervical spine condition, have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and a skin condition. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus is denied, and the cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to in-service herbicide agent exposure. Ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities are granted at 50% and 40%, respectively, effective from August 13, 2018. The earlier effective date issue regarding these ratings is not addressed.

The Veteran's breathing disability and high blood pressure are service-connected due to herbicide exposure. However, the peripheral neuropathy claim is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its relationship to his PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension has been granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's neck disability, left arm disability, right arm disability, left leg disability, and right leg disability are all related to his military service. The VA has remanded these issues for further development.,Service connection is being remanded for the Veteran's neck disability, LUE PN, RUE PN, LLE PN, and RLE PN as they may be connected to his MOS and exposure to Benzene.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's additional disability was caused by an event not reasonably foreseeable or if VA providers demonstrated carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill when they used an alternate fixation location during his biceps avulsion.

The Board has remanded the cases due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives and because a decision on one issue could significantly impact another. The Veteran's service connection claims for Type II diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various peripheral neuropathies and erectile dysfunction, as well as his claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of feet and hands. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and chronic headache disability are granted as service-connected due to in-service herbicide exposure.,Bladder cancer is denied as there is no evidence of the condition during or within one year after separation from active service. Peripheral neuropathy is also denied based on lack of evidence of onset during service or within a year post-separation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete records, including VA treatment records from before 2010 and private medical records from various providers. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain these records.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims on appeal can be decided. The Veteran's representative indicated that he received private treatment from Joslin Diabetes Center and St. Luke's Hospital, which have not been associated with the claims file. Treatment records from the Bedford VA Medical Center (VAMC) were also requested but could not be obtained due to a lack of information in the claims file. Clarification is needed regarding any claimed herbicide exposure for hypertension, and an examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed cataracts.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of May 7, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities since at least 1999 or 2011, which is more than one year before he filed his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus, and associated peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been dismissed as they were withdrawn during a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's left and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathies are rated at 20 percent each, while his left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathies are now rated at 40 percent each since May 7, 2016. A TDIU is also granted from that date.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted for the claims of service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Residuals of Prostate Cancer, Skin Condition, and Peripheral Neuropathy. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand is now conceded, but further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his skin condition and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted for the claims of service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Residuals of Prostate Cancer, Skin Condition, and Peripheral Neuropathy. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand is now conceded. The claims are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy affecting all extremities are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The case should be remanded to correct the error by ordering a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed peripheral neuropathy.