Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and multiple types of peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of December 20, 2016. The Board finds that the combined effect of his physical and psychiatric conditions has made it impossible for him to engage in any form of substantial gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, including as due to a service-connected disability or in-service exposure to an herbicide agent. The evidence does not support a finding that this condition is related to active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to TDIU prior to April 28, 2009. The AOJ is required to refer the case for extraschedular consideration of TDIU.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his service-connected peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities caused his obesity, which in turn caused his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for Hepatitis C and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's in-service needle sticks and his service-connected Hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further development of his medical history.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to herbicide exposure. The case will be reviewed again with a VA examination.

The Veteran's right median neuropathy is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 8515 for incomplete paralysis of the major extremity. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as none of the Veteran's symptoms are severe.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and verifying the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange. The cause of death is being considered based on presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and lower extremity disabilities did not prevent her from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment during the period from November 3, 2016 to October 16, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is caused or aggravated by his service-connected lung cancer, including any radiation or chemotherapy treatment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Veteran's blood pressure reading at separation was 130/88, which is considered prehypertension by the National Institute of Health. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's hypertension and peripheral neuropathy are related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for peripheral artery disease and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to a duty to assist error. The VA is required to obtain private treatment records from Banner Estrella, and arrange for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to service, including potential exposure to burn pits or particulate matter.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a back disability and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, as well as the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. Additional development is needed including obtaining private treatment records, Social Security Administration records, and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's upper extremity neuropathy.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, but denied service connection for right eye glaucoma.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further medical examinations and records review.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be related to service or due to exposure to herbicide agents, and thus service connection was denied for all conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and peripheral neuropathy claims are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The Board also requires a neurological examination to determine the etiology of his upper and lower extremity nerve disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish a relationship between his current condition and his active duty service.