Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, based on presumed exposure to herbicides in Thailand. Lung cancer is not service connected as it metastasized from a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including skin disorder, diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, coronary artery disease due to exposure to herbicide agents, loss of vision, erectile dysfunction, and vertigo. The claims were all denied as the evidence did not show a relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is granted a 40% rating effective May 23, 2016. The right knee disability remains at a 10% rating prior to August 23, 2012 and from December 31, 2012 to April 2, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 14, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) benefits at the housebound rate prior to November 21, 2007 was denied because he did not meet the criteria for SMC based on his service-connected disabilities. He had a single disability rated as 100% but no additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60%, separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability, nor was he permanently housebound due to service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran is in need of aid and attendance by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has restored the Veteran's ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper, right upper, left lower, and right lower extremities to 10 percent effective September 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension and heart disorders, as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the aggravation of hypertension by the service-connected MDD.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease status post drug eluting stent placement) is granted at a 30 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, and diabetic retinopathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim was based on alleged exposure to herbicide agents during his service aboard the USS Oriskany in Vietnam.,Service connection could not be established due to lack of evidence supporting herbicide exposure or a finding that the Veteran stepped foot on landmass in Vietnam.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including eye condition, joint pain, shoulder and neck conditions, wrist and hand conditions, knee and ankle conditions, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, all potentially related to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran was not afforded VA examinations due to his inability to report for scheduled exams.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to the need for new medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, erectile dysfunction (ED), left arm peripheral neuropathy, and right arm peripheral neuropathy. The claims are currently pending.

Service connection granted for various disabilities including bilateral shoulder, neck, back, hip, leg, and foot osteoarthritis as well as peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities secondary to diabetes mellitus. Service connection is also remanded for anemia.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant due to his respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities due to a lack of a VA examination and insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran needs to be examined by a clinician to determine if his current disabilities are related to in-service events or diseases, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for dry mouth is dismissed.,The claims of entitlement to service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower bilateral extremities, as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II (DMII), are granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neuropathy of the right upper extremity, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and TDIU due to new and material evidence having been submitted. The Veteran is being asked to provide updated treatment records and undergo VA examinations to address his claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and a heart disorder are all granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active service.