Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and its relationship to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The claim for a back condition was reopened but remains denied due to lack of in-service injury or incident.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IHD and type II diabetes mellitus are related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, which is presumed for Vietnam Era veterans. The neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction have not been addressed by the Board.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability was denied, and the case is being remanded to the AOJ. The Veteran's service connection claims for a right shoulder disability and neuropathy of the left ulnar nerve are also pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his increased ratings of diabetic nephropathy and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, finding that no increase in disability occurred within one year prior to the claim.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been rated at 10 percent since December 7, 2012. The Board found that an effective date prior to this date is not warranted.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome due to sepsis and cirrhosis, which were linked to his service-connected PTSD. As a result, the Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 15, 1979 for the grant of TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to the Veteran's service-connected disability preventing him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for ischemic heart disease were denied, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection was also denied for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's CAD is rated at 60 percent, effective August 12, 2014. The ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are maintained. A TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and vasovagal syncope are granted, with the latter being related to his PTSD. The Board also found that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected conditions, finding that VA could not have obtained the 1966 report due to insufficient information provided by the Veteran at the time of his July 2002 claim.

The Board has granted service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran was stationed near the perimeter of Ubon RTAFB in Thailand where he likely served as a weapons mechanic exposed to herbicides.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not show a causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy or bladder impairment, and the evidence does not support service connection for these conditions.,Service connection is denied as there is no established current disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The evidence did not support ratings higher than the currently assigned 20 percent ratings for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including low back disability, groin injury residuals, pulled abdominal muscle, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), breathing condition (chronic bronchitis), colon cancer, H. pylori infection, diabetes mellitus, gout, and hemorrhoids (precancerous condition). The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting back disorder was not aggravated by any period of active duty or ACDUTRA service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of his left and right lower extremities was rated at 10 percent, effective January 26, 2009.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, including exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and ionizing radiation during service. The claim is being remanded for further examination and development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any claimed conditions. The Veteran was granted a non-compensable rating for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.