Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of the appellant's claimed right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, which he asserts is related to his presumed herbicide agent exposure in service. The RO must obtain all VA treatment records since November 2019 and schedule the appellant for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, sleep apnea, diabetes, and neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since February 27, 2012. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU are met prior to May 6, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure and secondary to service-connected heart disability. An addendum opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was caused by his service, including any Agent Orange exposure in service, and whether it was aggravated by his service-connected heart disability.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam service is likely a cause of his current condition.

The Veteran's nerve disorder affecting the left lower extremity, including neuropathy and radiculopathy, is remanded for further evaluation due to missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy required regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to the grant of SMC based on this condition. The prostate cancer was separately considered for a higher rate of SMC.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is related to her active service, and the resulting physical disabilities are also considered secondary to this condition.,The Veteran has been granted service connection for loss of use of the left eye, optic neuropathy of the left eye, right mandible disorder, and TBI as these conditions are found to be proximately due to her major depressive disorder with anxious distress.

The Board has remanded the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as other conditions including a deviated septum, shoulder, knee, ankle, foot, psychiatric disability (PTSD), and sleep apnea. The Veteran must submit a statement of the case to proceed with these issues.

The Veteran's appeals for reduction in rating, severance of SMC, automobile and adaptive equipment eligibility, and specially adapted housing eligibility were denied due to fraud.

Effective December 17, 2012, a 30 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy of the anterior crural (femoral) nerve is granted. Separate noncompensable ratings are granted for peripheral neuropathy of the internal saphenous and obturator nerves.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy have been granted initial evaluations of 40 percent effective from October 23, 2018.,Prior to this date, the disabilities were rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for migraines, bilateral leg disorder, right hand disorder (including nerve damage and neuropathy), right wrist scars, and head scars are remanded due to a failure to obtain relevant service treatment records. The Veteran is also advised to provide any outstanding in-service or post-service medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding it secondary to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea. The right foot and right hip disabilities are remanded due to lack of a VA examination addressing their relationship to service.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is already established.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, finding insufficient evidence to support a current diagnosis or relationship to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and edema of the bilateral lower extremities. The appeals are denied.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The claims were also denied as secondary to other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide a DBQ from her private physician and an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current or previously-diagnosed ataxia, peripheral neuropathy disorder of the upper or lower extremities, and joint problems (including Lyme disease and celiac disease).

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy.,The Board is seeking clarification on the Veteran's claimed exposure to Agent Orange during service and will also request any relevant VA medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD)/coronary artery disease (CAD) with atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities. Service connection was denied for a heart disability other than IHD/CAD with atrial fibrillation, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and lung condition.