Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's right wrist disability and associated ulnar neuropathy have been granted a 10% evaluation, effective May 23, 2012.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange while stationed in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II; left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve); and PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings were not met.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The reduction in rating for diabetes mellitus from 40 to 20 percent, effective January 1, 2018, was proper. Service connection has been established for PTSD, diabetic nephropathy, peripheral neuropathies of the sciatic and femoral nerves, prostate cancer residuals, right knee disability, left knee disability, and service-connected conditions that have not resulted in a higher rating.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II, due to the need for clarification regarding herbicide exposure at U-Tapao Airfield in Thailand.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in 1962, which is necessary for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and various types of peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate medical opinions in the file.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 1, 2019 was denied as there is no evidence showing he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and diabetic neuropathy as the evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides or any other basis for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy have been denied.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran’s right knee disability is not warranted due to limited flexion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and vocational experience.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the sciatic nerve were granted, with a reduction to 10 percent effective July 2019. A higher rating of 40 percent was granted beginning June 3, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for Erectile Dysfunction, left upper extremity neuropathy, and right upper extremity neuropathy. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, and TDIU due to various issues including DMII, bilateral frozen feet, right foot surgery, and pes planus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding a nexus between the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service and his current condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II (due to herbicide exposure), tinnitus, heart disability, hypertension, neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, psychiatric disorder, vision loss, and erectile dysfunction. The appeal is granted only in relation to the reopening of the claim for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain outstanding records of VA and VA-authorized treatment, including scanned/VistA imaging records. The right knee increased evaluation claims are also remanded for an adequate medical examination.