Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a disability rating of 70 percent effective December 20, 2013.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was granted a disability rating of 40 percent effective February 19, 2015, and an effective date of July 14, 2009.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and dermatitis with residual scarring, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's right wrist fracture with traumatic arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, and his neuropathy of the right upper extremity is rated at 10 percent. The issues have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service and his diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to such exposure. The claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities will be remanded as there are insufficient medical records to determine if a current diagnosis exists.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU prior to March 13, 2015. The Board found that his service-connected conditions were not of such severity as to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment in keeping with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran was rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities for the period on appeal prior to January 9, 2007. The Board found that he had one disability rated at 60 percent (hypertension) and a combined rating of 80 percent, effective from September 15, 2005.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion from a pulmonologist regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, and the criteria for entitlement to TDIU have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed due to his request for withdrawal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including nephropathy, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease is fixed at October 3, 2007.,The Veteran's effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus is fixed at July 16, 2010. The appellant argues that the earlier dates should apply due to VA treatment records and medications received from the VA pharmacy. However, there is no evidence of an informal claim prior to these dates.,The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus remains at 20 percent as his condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities (diabetic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypertension and erectile dysfunction, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease) is now 100 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of residuals of cold injury of the lower extremities, and thus service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her claimed bilateral foot disability and neuropathy. The case will be reconsidered after these opinions are obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating, effective from the date of his claim. The initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities remain unchanged. TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right hand cold injury has been granted. The claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and TDIU are pending.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, thus denying his service connection claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for an earlier effective date is also pending.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to a need for an opinion on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his sarcoidosis.