Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is denied. Separate 10 percent ratings are granted for the external popliteal nerves of both legs.,A TDIU claim is remanded as part of this decision.

The Veteran's hypertension and glaucoma are not service-connected.,Right and left lower extremity varicose veins have been rated as 40 percent disabling, but the Veteran is seeking higher ratings. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 40 percent is not warranted at this time.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction may be related to Gulf War exposures, but further clarification is needed from an appropriate clinician.,Left and right knee strains have been rated as 10 percent disabling each, but the Veteran is seeking higher ratings. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 10 percent for both knees is not warranted at this time.,Lumbar spine degenerative joint disease has been rated as 20 percent disabling, but the Veteran is seeking a higher rating. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted at this time.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity, both secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, was denied.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, gout, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, a skin condition (including seborrheic keratosis), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.,There was no presumption of herbicide agent exposure due to the Veteran's service in Korea.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for upper and lower bilateral peripheral neuropathy due to a lack of a VA examination. The claim for individual unemployability is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined evaluation of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis and secondary conditions. The Board has determined that further development is needed for the claims of left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, soft tissue disorder of the legs, and cardiovascular disorders.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection have not been fully addressed due to a lack of compliance with prior remand instructions. The Veteran's death prevented further action on these claims until his surviving spouse was accepted as a substitute, at which point the case was returned to the Board.

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of early onset peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unemployable, as he retired due to non-service-connected conditions and his physical limitations are not severe enough to prevent substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's death was caused by congestive heart failure, which was attributed to multiple myeloma. Service connection for the cause of death is granted, and as a result, the issue of VA dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has remanded both his claim for a higher rating and his TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities before August 31, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an effective date prior to March 6, 2017 for SMC based on aid and attendance were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a need for regular aid and attendance before March 6, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and missing treatment records from Dr. Christenson.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not related to his military service. The Veteran's lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and hypertension have been remanded for further examination.,The Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents in Vietnam but does not meet the criteria for early-onset peripheral neuropathy or sufficient evidence of an association with hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his alleged herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for increased rating and TDIU prior to October 21, 2014.

The Veteran's right femoral neuropathy is granted as service connected. The claim for any other right lower extremity disability, to include right knee arthritis, is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has determined that he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, including as secondary to PTSD, is remanded. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.