Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board restored service connection for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and discontinued compensation for erectile dysfunction. Service connection for mesothelioma is remanded due to lack of clear and unmistakable evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability, including ischemic optic neuropathy and uveitis in both eyes, was denied an initial compensable rating prior to March 24, 2015. For the period from March 24, 2015, to February 13, 2018, he received a 30% rating based on visual acuity impairment in both eyes.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has been reopened. The claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure during active service.

The Veteran's depression is not a separate disability from his PTSD. The right radial nerve paralysis warrants a 50% rating since November 14, 2016. The Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and tinnitus, is rated at 70 percent. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

Service connection granted for tinnitus. The Veteran's tinnitus is related to active service.,Bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis within one year after service or due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's eye disability, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's neurocognitive disorder is granted as service-connected, and he receives a separate 20% rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. Other claims are denied.

The Veteran's left knee brace is not service-connected, and he does not use it to treat any of his other service-connected disabilities. The Board finds no eligibility for a clothing allowance due to the left knee brace.,The Veteran uses a manual wheelchair primarily due to severe effects from multiple service-connected conditions including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and neuropathies. The VAMC's decision was incorrect in concluding that the use of the wheelchair is not related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, coronary artery disease (CAD/IHD), erectile dysfunction as secondary to CAD/IHD, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is granted due to exposure to aviation fuel during service, which the VA has determined may cause neurological impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with post-operative residuals of coronary artery bypass surgery, posttraumatic stress disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for peripheral neuropathy was withdrawn prior to a decision.,His bilateral hearing loss is rated as zero percent since June 7, 2012. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating at any point during this period.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records from his Air Force Reserves.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck and right shoulder disabilities due to their potential secondary relationship with his service-connected right foot scar residuals. The VA examination did not adequately address these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 2, 2017.

The Veteran's kidney stone disorder and neuropathy are not service-connected.,Tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating remains pending. The Board has also remanded two issues: service connection for bilateral upper peripheral neuropathy and a higher evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to have caused his peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, which are now granted as secondary.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a stomach condition related to his period of service. The claim for service connection for neuropathy of the right lower extremity will also be remanded, as the examiner's opinion was unclear regarding whether it is secondary to his lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions. The VA examination should assess if any flare-ups have affected the Veteran’s range of motion, pain levels, and functional loss.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's cervical spondylosis and right knee strain. The examiner will need to consider the frequency and length of any incapacitating episodes in the past year.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions. A VA examination should assess if any flare-ups have affected the Veteran’s range of motion, pain levels, and functional loss.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's scar from a hand injury. The examiner will need to consider the frequency and length of any incapacitating episodes in the past year.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions. A VA examination should assess if any flare-ups have affected the Veteran’s range of motion, pain levels, and functional loss.