Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of higher initial ratings for vesicular tinea pedis, service connection for a back disability, right lower extremity neuropathy (claimed as secondary to low back disability), left lower extremity neuropathy (claimed as secondary to low back disability), and a headache disability. The Board has specifically requested additional VA examinations and opinions regarding the progression of the Veteran's skin condition, the etiology of his back disability and associated neuropathy in his lower extremities, and the cause or aggravation of his headache disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and other conditions that render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left lower extremity disorder and hypertension are not service-connected, but the Board finds that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, hypertension, kidney disability, vision disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to lack of competent evidence establishing current diagnoses or in-service incurrence.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion from a neurologist regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, specifically addressing whether it is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a left-hand index finger injury is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury.,Service connection for migraine disorder is denied because the Veteran does not have a separate headache disability apart from his sinusitis.,Peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity, is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy may be related to a nonservice-connected cervical spine condition.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded as the etiology and relationship to service need further clarification.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and needs further examination to determine if any diagnosed condition is related to active duty service, including Agent Orange exposure, or caused by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for a higher rating for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent, resolving his appeal for a higher rating.,A scar on the right foot has been granted a 20 percent rating under DC 7804 due to pain and instability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since March 13, 2020.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for DM have been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his appeals prior to the Board promulgating a decision.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the remand directives and thus, the case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has found that the Veteran's Alzheimer’s disease is not related to service and denied his claim.,The Board also found no evidence of bilateral hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure and denied his claim for this condition.,For the remaining conditions, including bilateral upper and lower diabetic neuropathy, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, kidney condition, coronary artery disease, Bell's Palsy, and prostate cancer, additional development is required as no medical nexus opinions have been provided.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, effective November 18, 2016. The Board denied increased ratings for the period prior to this date and after it. The Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's neck disability, including his service connection claim. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the condition is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's presence in Vietnam. The claims will be reviewed again with consideration of any verified exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. The Veteran's diabetes and peripheral neuropathy are presumed to be related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for rhabdomyolysis and remanded other claims due to new evidence received. The Veteran is also being scheduled for VA examinations related to his neck, right leg, shoulder, upper extremities, depression, gastrointestinal issues, lumbosacral strain, scar, and SMC.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all appeals related to his claims for increased ratings and service connection. The Board has dismissed these appeals as the Veteran explicitly requested their withdrawal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainty regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left elbow ulnar neuropathy and its relationship to his cervical radiculopathy. The Veteran will need a VA examination to clarify these issues.