Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has remanded four issues related to peripheral neuropathy of the Veteran's upper and lower extremities due to a lack of VA examination, incomplete medical records, and the need for further analysis.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his limited range of motion and pain. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran has open angle glaucoma associated with diabetes mellitus type II, which requires further examination as visual field testing results are missing from the file.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction due to new evidence submitted. However, the claim remains denied because there is no medical opinion linking the peripheral neuropathy to the service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to a duty to assist error. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether there is a relationship between the Veteran's diagnosed neurological disorders and his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, degenerative joint disease of the left hip, left knee medial meniscus tear, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The issues have been remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss have been granted service connection. The Board has found an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, stroke, facial numbness, right leg numbness, hypertension, skin cancer, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction. These issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for a new VA examination covering his bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy from July 22, 2005 onwards. The Veteran contends that his disabilities have worsened.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's OSA with asthma is rated at 50 percent, effective June 1, 2011. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show chronic respiratory failure or tracheostomy.,Gout was granted an initial 20 percent rating, effective June 1, 2011. The Veteran had at least four gout flares per year and his medication controlled his symptoms.,Migraines were denied a compensable rating as the evidence did not show prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.,Right shoulder disability was granted a 30 percent rating effective March 26, 2019. The Veteran had limitation of motion at shoulder level and midway between side and shoulder level.,Bilateral upper extremity neurological disability was granted a 10 percent rating prior to March 26, 2019, but denied any higher rating thereafter.,Left upper extremity neurological disability was denied any higher rating.

The Veteran's death was caused by myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, which the VA examiner found less likely than not related to exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for service connection of the cause of death must be remanded.,Service connection for leukemia is also being remanded as the VA examiner's opinion did not address whether it was secondary to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and separate compensable disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, right femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy, left femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy are being remanded due to missing VA treatment records and a need for new examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and related secondary conditions due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure during service. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the primary issue of service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected right and left lower extremity neuropathy and neuroma are being remanded to the RO for further review of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and an initial rating greater than 10 percent for degenerative arthritis, right knee due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has remanded the claims for neuropathy of the right upper extremity, residuals of traumatic brain injury, high blood pressure, and a skin disability to obtain additional VA treatment records and medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both feet as a result of herbicide exposure, but denied service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to Agent Orange exposure, as well as his claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is required to provide updated VA treatment records and a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his neurological disabilities, including right carpal tunnel syndrome, possible left carpal tunnel syndrome, sensory disturbances of both feet, small fiber neuropathy, and peripheral neuropathy. He is also scheduled for an examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.