Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the VA opinions are inadequate and requires additional medical opinions to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss, thoracic spine disability, cervical spine condition, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are related to his active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, finding that there is no current diagnosis of this disability.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction are all granted service connection. The Veteran is also granted special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ due to his ED.

The Board has decided to remand three issues: service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, service connection for epiretinal membrane, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD. The Veteran's claims are being sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to potential in-service herbicide agent exposure. The RO is requested to obtain additional medical records, verify the Veteran's claimed service in the Republic of Vietnam and near the Korean DMZ, and provide a VA examination if necessary.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development regarding his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and related residuals, including whether he was in a 'treatment phase' during certain periods.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is currently employed and has been for several years.

The Board has found that further development is required in order to determine the extent and severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly with respect to his peripheral neuropathies. The case is therefore being remanded for additional examination and medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 20, 2018. The Board denied the claim for TDIU as there was no evidence showing he was unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with notification and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been dismissed as his appeal has been withdrawn from the legacy appeals system due to his opt-in into the Appeals Modernization Act.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spine disability is granted. The claim for TDIU due to diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy is granted from December 30, 2002 through the present. SMC based on permanent housebound status is granted effective December 30, 2003.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of evidence showing in-service exposure to herbicides, and for further development regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Ischemic Heart Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Bilateral Lower Extremities, and Bilateral Hearing Loss have all been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II has been granted. The claims for service connection for testicular cancer and peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and failure to address flare-ups in previous VA opinions. The Veteran's representative and VA's Office of General Counsel requested a remand for further development.

The appeal contesting the propriety of the severance of service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted, and restoration of service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted. The appeals regarding diabetes, left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, erectile dysfunction (ED), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and a psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disease, peripheral and median neuropathy of the upper left extremity, peripheral and median neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and hypertension have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate reasons or bases provided in previous decisions regarding service connection and secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims, particularly concerning his exposure to cold injuries during active duty.