Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address direct and secondary service connection theories, as well as development of potential herbicide exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for obstructive sleep apnea has been withdrawn. The Veteran is granted a 50% evaluation for migraine headaches prior to October 21, 2009.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated neurological disabilities are remanded for additional evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for vertigo and otalgia, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions during or approximate to the pendency of the claim. The Veteran's in-service treatment records did not show diagnoses, complaints, or symptoms of vertigo or otalgia.,The Board also denied service connection for right lower extremity neuropathy (sciatic nerve), concluding that there is no evidence linking this condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate examinations and incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a supplemental medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C medications aggravated his Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his seizure disability claim was denied as new and material evidence had not been received. The PTSD claim, however, was reopened due to the submission of new evidence.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted based on a diagnosis provided by a VA psychologist.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is denied, but he has a current diagnosis of tinnitus that is related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II from January 10, 2012 was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate examination and lay statements regarding his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to his in-service herbicide exposure. The Veteran may establish service connection on a direct basis, despite not being listed as a presumptively associated disease.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, left and right sciatic peripheral neuropathy are rated at 40 percent for the period from December 10, 2019, and thereafter. The Veteran also receives a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and related peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide agent exposure at Fort McClellan. The Veteran's representative provided additional information about potential chemical exposures during service, but a new medical opinion is needed to determine if these exposures are linked to her diabetes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for idiopathic axonal peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding that his condition began after service and is not related to service or his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vision loss disability, diagnosed as optic neuropathy, was incurred during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, and neuropathy of all four extremities, as well as other conditions like vocal cord cancer residuals and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU from December 1, 2014, to May 29, 2020, July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for severe axonal sensori-motor polyneuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that it is due to service.

The Veteran's eye disability and peripheral neuropathy claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between these conditions and his service, including presumed herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and consideration of whether increased ratings should remain denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate nexus opinions regarding whether the Veteran's peripheral nerve conditions are related to his service or service-connected conditions. The AOJ is instructed to secure updated treatment records and obtain an addendum medical opinion from a different examiner.

The Veteran's cause of death and diabetes mellitus type II are granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis.