Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral lower and upper extremities diabetic neuropathy, and residuals of prostate cancer are granted as they are related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for ischemic heart condition (diagnosed as atrial fibrillation) is remanded due to insufficient rationale provided by the VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. As a result, he is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted at 40 percent each. However, his claims for higher ratings in both upper extremities remain denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from March 27, 2014 to September 1, 2014 and from January 1, 2015 to November 21, 2019. The Board granted entitlement to a TDIU on this basis.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for conditions causing numbness or related symptomatology in the lower extremities, including PAD and PVD. The Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange is conceded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease (an ischemic heart disease) are granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and lung/ thyroid nodules due to herbicide agent exposure, as well as asbestos exposure. The claims are being remanded because a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for impetigo, diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and hypertension have been granted. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) is remanded.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, specifically related to in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disease (coronary artery disease), hypertension, residuals of stroke associated with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy left upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity, and right foot amputation of two toes have been granted due to new and material evidence. The Veteran is presumed to be exposed to herbicide agents while serving in Korea.,The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have also been granted due to new and material evidence.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a distinct disability characterized as 'swelling' or 'seizure disability.' Service connection was also denied for substance abuse (alcohol) disorder, stroke residuals, and peripheral neuropathy due to lack of competent medical evidence.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy are granted. The claim of service connection for bilateral cataracts is remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II is granted. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, including as due to PTSD, is remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Board has remanded the issues of left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange, but did not make a decision on these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies are denied as there is no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents/Agent Orange in Vietnam or on the USS Ranger. The claimed disabilities were not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as PTSD, were denied. The claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals seeking earlier effective dates and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities.

The Board has decided that an effective date earlier than June 30, 2011 for the award of service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve is not warranted. The Veteran's claim was denied in July 2010 and reopened on June 30, 2011. The Board has also decided to remand the issue of entitlement to a higher initial rating for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's total combined disability rating remains at 60 percent after the grant of a 10 percent evaluation for hypertension, as his other service-connected conditions do not warrant an increase in the overall rating.