Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus have been granted. The left knee condition and psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression) claims are remanded.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected left wrist scar is denied, and the issue of service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is remanded.

The Veteran's HTN is granted as secondary to his service-connected DM-II. The polyneuropathy of the left upper extremity remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy were granted with an effective date of April 15, 2015. The conditions are presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left foot neuropathy, finding that the disability is moderately severe but not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board will consider whether the condition is related to exposure to herbicide agents and diesel fuel during service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to herbicide exposure for diabetes mellitus, type 2; loss of vision and use of a creative organ (likely referring to hand function); loss of fingernails; peripheral neuropathy; circulatory condition of the legs; bilateral hearing loss; stroke and related complications; and PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities has been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, including whether it is related to herbicide agent exposure or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer residuals, have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since December 19, 2013. The Board granted TDIU as of that date.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the appeal for a higher rating remains pending.,Service connection for cataracts has been remanded due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding its relationship to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records from private providers and VA, including a copy of the Goldman eye chart used for his October 2019 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient verification of herbicide exposure. The Veteran must provide a more specific time frame and location for his claimed exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, rendered him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic outlet syndrome and right wrist neuropathy due to potential aggravation by her service-connected de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA medical opinions and missing translations of documents. The issues include service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, glaucoma, erectile dysfunction, prostate disability, skin rash (recurring skin sensation disturbance), and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity is denied. The appeals are remanded to obtain additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for multiple myeloma and peripheral neuropathy due to potential exposure to herbicides during service. Further development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents, which specific ones he may have been exposed to, and whether his conditions are related to such exposures.