Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain adequate VA examinations and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease and bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, as these conditions are claimed as secondary to exposure to herbicide agents or service-connected diabetes mellitus type II or coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, headaches with forgetfulness, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, and obstructive sleep apnea have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied service connection for RLE radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy, as well as arthritis. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of these conditions during the pendency of the claim or recent to its filing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was denied. The Board found no evidence of such a condition.,Service connection for diabetes was granted effective October 24, 2017, but the Veteran sought an earlier effective date. This request was also denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A separate rating for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity prior to June 6, 2016 has also been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since July 15, 2014. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral lower extremity neuropathies (left and right), and denied service connection for a left ankle disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and additional development is required.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinion on direct causation, and will seek an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection for peripheral neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as an increased rating for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of sciatic nerve (left and right), and coronary artery disease did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to May 30, 2017 for various service connection claims have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for disability ratings in excess of the current ratings for certain peripheral neuropathy conditions have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including heart disability, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea, benign prostatic hyperplasia, asthma, and dementia, all claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The remand also includes a request for verification of in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no more than Level I in the right ear and no worse than Level II in the left ear.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board found that the Veteran required only restricted diet and an oral glycemic agent during the period on appeal.,Prior to March 6, 2015, the Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was manifested by no more than mild incomplete paralysis (10% rating). Beginning March 6, 2015, it is now rated as 20% disabling for moderate incomplete paralysis.,Prior to March 6, 2015, the Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was manifested by no more than mild incomplete paralysis (10% rating). Beginning March 6, 2015, it is now rated as 20% disabling for moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetic nephropathy is granted at a 60 percent level, but no higher. The other issues are remanded due to the failure to secure VA treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for Erectile Dysfunction and Peripheral Neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, finding no evidence of onset during service or relationship to any in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination, and the need to determine if the Veteran's neuropathy is related to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service.