Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and neurological disorders, render him unemployable. The Board finds that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, but denied service connection for hypertension, GERD, a spinal disorder, and ED. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military noise exposure. Service connection was not established for hypertension or GERD as they are not related to diabetes mellitus. Peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right lower extremity were granted initial evaluations of 40 percent each.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (Peripheral Vascular Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities, and Cold Injury Residuals of the Hands, Feet, and Ears) were found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death. As a result, entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, was denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Veteran is service-connected for peripheral neuropathy of both right and left lower extremities and back disability, which necessitates the use of a knee brace and wheelchair. The Board finds that he is entitled to an annual clothing allowance for the year 2013.

The Veteran's right and left internal popliteal nerve neuropathies have been rated at 20% since November 13, 2012. The claims for higher ratings are denied as the evidence does not support a finding of more than moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his peripheral neuropathy of both feet was incurred or aggravated by service, including presumed exposure to herbicides. The condition is not considered presumptively related due to lack of early-onset manifestation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, updated VA treatment records, and a medical opinion regarding his employability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination. The Under Secretary for Benefits will also be consulted regarding whether cervical radiculopathy and neuropathy of the upper extremities are related to radiation exposure or other factors.

The Veteran's non-service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to permanently preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his age, education, and occupational experience. The Board finds that the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating are met, granting non-service-connected disability pension benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left ankle, wrist, and elbow disabilities were denied as the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, including from Vet Center treatment. A VA examination is also needed to assess his left foot disability.

The Veteran's claim for travel payments was denied as he did not apply within the required 30-day period after completing his travel, despite meeting eligibility criteria due to an increased disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of reopening his service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to herbicide exposure due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for prostate cancer was reopened and granted due to in-service herbicide exposure. Claims for skin condition, kidney condition, neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, and heart condition are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to failure to notify the appellant of a previously scheduled videoconference hearing.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, ischemic heart disease, left foot amputation, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, and erectile dysfunction are all granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service in Thailand.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the neck, which is considered secondary to the Veteran's low back condition and cervical spine condition. The remaining issues on appeal are deferred pending further development.