Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a peripheral nerve examination and an alopecia examination.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issues of hypertension, bilateral hearing loss and diabetes ratings. The Board granted service connection on a secondary basis for erectile dysfunction due to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for TDIU at least since January 1, 2013.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Vietnam and to obtain his medical records. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and its relation to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's amyloidosis, CKD, and RUE peripheral neuropathy were not shown during the appeal period. The claims for these conditions are denied as there is no current disability due to disease or injury.

The Veteran is unable to follow and secure substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II, and associated peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease (CAD) are found to be related to in-service herbicide exposure. The claims for service connection for these conditions are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records. The case will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions has been reopened, but the claims are all denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent evaluation. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's neuropathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 10 percent prior to January 12, 2017.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorders, neurological disorder of the lower extremities (cramps, numbness, radiculopathy), and cervical spine disorder are secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines. The diabetes mellitus, type II disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, while the diabetic neuropathy of the bladder disability has not yet met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD from January 26, 2015 to March 14, 2016 is rated at 70 percent due to significant occupational and social impairment. The Veteran is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for asthma, a heart disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and chest pain/myocardial infarction (MI) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy and sciatic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been denied.,The Board found that the evidence did not show symptoms more nearly approximating a higher rating than 10 percent for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his acquired psychiatric disorder and chronic liver disease, have rendered him unable to work. Effective October 14, 2009, he is granted a TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.