Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the AOJ did not substantially comply with its February 2019 remand directives, specifically regarding verification of the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicide agents and extreme cold in Korea. The AOJ is also directed to obtain private medical records from Dr. Miller, Providence Health Systems, and Olympia Internal Medicine Associates, as well as any pertinent VA treatment records. Additionally, an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy must be obtained.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted under the PACT Act. The initial disability rating for ischemic optical neuropathy and cataract remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the cumulative effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was rated at 20 percent prior to January 19, 2018 and at 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was rated at 10 percent prior to January 19, 2018 and at 20 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, while his right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disability and as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service or any other condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted from November 22, 2022. The TDIU claim prior to that date remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right or left upper extremity neurological disabilities, including neuropathy. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from October 19, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities. The combined rating for these disabilities is 80 percent.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his employability and functional impairment from his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicide agents and/or as secondary to service-connected disability. Additional development is required, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 1 and diabetic peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities are remanded for additional medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for ratings in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy affecting both upper extremities as the Appellant's attorney withdrew the appeal.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service-connected.,There is no evidence of a current right knee condition, and the claim for this issue is denied.,Similarly, there is no evidence of a current left knee condition, and the claim for this issue is also denied.

The appeal is dismissed for the claims of bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, left leg amputation, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, sleep apnea, stroke, glaucoma, and cataracts. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's medical records and need for further examination. The appeal is pending until these issues are resolved.

The Board has granted service connection for alcohol use disorder, seizure disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to PTSD with alcohol use disorder. The Veteran's disabilities are now rated at a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for right and left lower extremity neuropathy, both of which were diagnosed after a December 2013 shave biopsy performed by VA. The evidence does not support finding that the condition was caused or worsened by VA treatment.

The Veteran's eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examinations and records.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, visual disorder, diverticulitis, liver disorder, and gout due to incomplete development. The Veteran's service records do not indicate exposure to herbicides or pesticides at Fort McClellan.

The Board has remanded the claims for right and left upper extremity neuropathy as there are outstanding treatment records that need to be obtained.