Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, except for PTSD which is rated at 100%, do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for ulnar neuropathy of the right upper extremity is remanded due to new evidence raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim, and further examination is needed to determine if VA negligence caused additional disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity sciatic neuropathy, and left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of the disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, including those from private providers. The VA will obtain these records and then readjudicate the claims.

The Board has dismissed the claim of entitlement to TDIU as it is not part of this appeal, which addressed service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. The issues of increased ratings for these conditions are downstream from the original service connection appeals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran experienced chronic symptoms of migraines since her separation from service, and there is sufficient evidence to establish continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's brother, the Appellant, is seeking service connection for hepatitis C, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and liver cancer to receive accrued benefits necessary for reimbursement of expenses related to his last sickness and burial. The claims are currently remanded due to insufficient information regarding the total charges incurred and what amount if any was paid by the Appellant.,The Veteran's brother is also seeking SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) or at the housebound rate, which is also currently remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to herbicide exposure, as it is presumed that the Veteran was exposed during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sinusitis and bilateral foot disability.,Service connection is denied for cervical spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and bilateral foot disability (hallux valgus and plantar fasciitis).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of diabetes mellitus, as well as the claim for TDIU due to the need for additional development. The Veteran's treatment records must be updated, including SSA records. A VA examination is needed to assess the severity of his diabetes mellitus and determine if it caused or aggravated his acquired psychiatric disorder. Additionally, a medical opinion regarding employability is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction due to herbicide agents exposure, including as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The case is also remanded for a medical opinion on whether any current erectile dysfunction is related to military service or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to PTSD, as well as service connection for peripheral neuropathy and cervical spondylosis. The Veteran is currently service connected for PTSD but not for peripheral neuropathy or cervical spondylosis.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during the appeal process.

The Board has restored service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding that it was caused by presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy, and eczema due to potential exposure to Agent Orange during military service. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents and determine if he was exposed to Agent Orange at a Royal Thai Air Force Base.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied for bilateral hearing loss, type II diabetes mellitus, kidney disorder (to include secondary to type II diabetes mellitus), and bilateral eye disorder (to include secondary to type II diabetes mellitus). The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the issues related to various foot and knee conditions, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hip condition, Achilles tendon condition, pes cavus, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. The appeal is dismissed.