Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claims. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral artery disease, respiratory disorder, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension were denied. The reduction in rating for prostate cancer was upheld.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the relationship between his service-connected conditions and alcoholism, as well as any sleep apnea. The issues of TDIU and service connection for peripheral neuropathy are also inextricably intertwined with these matters.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, and he is now eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The diabetes mellitus, type II, along with other service-connected conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and Dupuytren's contracture, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of a wheelchair. Therefore, he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing and special home adaptations. However, his claim for automobile and adaptive equipment is moot due to the law precluding an award under 38 U.S.C.A. § 2102(b).

The Veteran's combined disability evaluation was at least 70% prior to July 28, 2015. The evidence does not show he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, as well as obtaining relevant medical records from SSA and VA.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral ankle, knee, hip, wrist, and elbow disabilities have been withdrawn.,Service connection is being remanded for diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing and will not make a decision on the merits until all necessary actions are taken.

The Board has determined that there is no competent and credible evidence establishing a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy affecting the bilateral upper extremities. The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis (athlete's foot) will be remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether pre-existing tinea pedis was aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions. The issues are related as they both involve peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left forearm conditions, as well as an increased rating for the Veteran's left knee disability. The Veteran now receives a 10 percent evaluation for his left knee condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, and thus cannot be granted service connection based on direct service connection. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus type II, were not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to a need for clarification and further examination.

The Veteran's surviving spouse is not entitled to an increased rate of DIC because he was not in receipt of, nor was he entitled to receive, compensation for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for at least eight years immediately preceding his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and neuropathy, have not rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration of his claims, including the issue of entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for coronary artery disease was denied as there is no evidence of an increase in disability between August 25, 2009 and June 2, 2010.