Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested by no more than Level I hearing impairment in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating.,Entitlement to service connection for residuals of cervical spine fusion at C4-5 and lumbosacral spine fusion at L4-5, as well as neuropathy of the right leg associated with these conditions, is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's use of a left knee brace for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is deemed to cause wear and tear on his clothing, warranting an annual clothing allowance for 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is granted. His claims for increased ratings of varicose veins and knee disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities has been granted increased ratings, with a 20% rating prior to May 1, 2017 and a 30% rating from May 1, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite to the bilateral lower extremities is denied as there are no current residuals found.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, which is secondary to residuals of frostbite, is also denied.

The Veteran's portal hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C.,Service connection for essential hypertension is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for inclusion body myositis and bilateral upper and lower extremity polyneuropathies due to lack of sufficient rationale in previous opinions, and requests additional medical records and an opinion from a VA neurologist.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 16, 2008 for the award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits. This decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for right hand tremors, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction is granted. Service connection for peripheral vision problems is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to insufficient evidence from previous examinations, including a lack of METs data for his heart condition. Additional VA examinations are needed to assess current disability levels.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate opinions in his September 2010 VA examination. The examiner did not address causation and aggravation as required for entitlement to service connection on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's amyloidosis and associated peripheral neuropathy were granted a 100% evaluation effective March 9, 2012. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to pending development of records and exposure history.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his records. The low back disability claim is also being reopened.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to insufficient information regarding his herbicide exposure. The case will be reviewed after additional development.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have all been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine condition, thoracic spine condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, degenerative joint disease of the ankles, muscular disorder, diabetes mellitus, and multiple sclerosis, have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current optic disability and headaches are not related to his military service, including any exposure during the Gulf War. The conditions have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left foot, and ischemic heart disease were denied as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or other environmental contaminants that could cause these conditions. The Board found insufficient medical evidence to establish a nexus between the current disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot conditions, including hammer toes, calcaneal spurs, pes cavus, small fiber neuropathy, fat pad atrophy, and recurrent painful callosities are related to his service in Vietnam where he suffered immersion foot. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.