Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Board has dismissed the issue of a compensable rating for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The issue of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and opinion regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, a disorder of the digestive system, and melanoma.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to January 7, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, associated peripheral neuropathies, and TDIU prior to November 22, 2011 due to insufficient reasons and bases provided in the March 2020 decision. The Veteran's testimony regarding restricted activities is noted.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer are granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection for residuals of thyroid cancer is also granted. The issue of peripheral neuropathy remains remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to a lack of cooperation in providing necessary employment information, leading to a determination that his marginal employment did not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are also granted on a secondary basis to the now service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed bilateral hip disorder, right knee disorder, tremors of the bilateral upper extremities, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and chronic joint pain as they are not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the connection between the Veteran's current bilateral foot condition and his service, including exposure to cold weather resulting in frostbite injuries.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes-related neuropathy, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on this finding.

The Board has remanded the cases of right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy for further evaluation due to failure to attend a previously scheduled VA examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and medical opinions are inadequate for adjudication purposes, and thus these claims must be remanded to allow for a new examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities associated with diabetes mellitus, type II were reopened.,Service connection was granted for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left wrist fracture residuals, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, right upper extremity neuropathy, left upper extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing a current disability or chronic symptoms during service.

The Board has granted reopening of service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and glaucoma. The appeals to reopen these conditions are granted. Service connection is remanded for all three issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to presumed in-service herbicide exposure. The VA examinations are needed to provide a medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, with peripheral neuropathy; hypertension; and coronary artery disease (CAD), to include as secondary to hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral leg condition, including peripheral vascular insufficiency and peripheral neuropathy, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, including as secondary to exposure to herbicide agents. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for additional action.