Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claim for a retrospective examination to assess the impact of service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's work capacity during the period from April 21, 2014 to February 1, 2016. The effective date is not addressed as it pertains to the retroactive application of a 100% schedular rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, obstructive sleep apnea, and right hip disability are granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of bilateral feet frostbite injuries. The claim for DDD of the lumbar spine is denied.

The Veteran's death was caused by liver cirrhosis, which the Board finds may be related to his alcohol abuse disorder. The cause of death claim is REMANDED for a new VA opinion on whether PTSD with anxiety led to or aggravated the alcohol abuse disorder and thus contributed to the Veteran’s death. For the lower and upper extremities conditions, the claims are also REMANDED as they are inextricably intertwined with the service connection for the cause of death claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, a left-hand disability (other than carpal tunnel syndrome), a right-hand disability (other than carpal tunnel syndrome), neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and neuropathy of the right lower extremity.,The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of left ear hearing loss or any other hand or lower extremity disabilities. The Veteran's symptoms were not supported by medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the claim for TDIU due to new evidence and issues not adequately addressed in previous decisions.

The appeal of the claim for service connection for chronic body pain is dismissed.,The applications to reopen claims for service connection for lupus, a lung disorder, and hypertension are denied as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremities due to outstanding VA medical records not being obtained. A VA examination is needed to determine if any currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy disabilities are caused or aggravated by service, including his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, as he continued to work full-time or receive leave benefits.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the service connection claims for tremor and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral feet. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with the remand directives.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and a sleep disturbance are remanded due to incomplete service records.,The Veteran's claims for low back disability and associated peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to incomplete service records.,The Veteran's claim for COPD is remanded due to incomplete service records.,The Veteran's claim for exposure to tuberculosis is remanded due to incomplete service records.,Incomplete VA treatment records are needed for all claims.,Outstanding private and federal records need to be obtained for the Veteran’s claims.,A VA examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, sleep disturbance, low back disability, peripheral neuropathy, COPD, and tuberculosis.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.,SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person from November 2014 through February 2015 was granted, but after that period it was denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were granted, with effective dates of December 4, 2009. The decision also granted an earlier effective date of March 11, 2011, for the service connection of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression with anxiety and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from July 1, 2009 to October 14, 2015. The Board granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water, as he served at the base for over a month. The VA is instructed to obtain medical opinions regarding whether each of the claimed conditions are related to this exposure.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability is granted. The claims for an increased rating for low back disability and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims, including for cirrhosis of the liver, GERD, prostate enlargement, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine (neck condition), and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer and bilateral peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure, specifically Agent Orange. The AOJ is instructed to verify if the Veteran served at RTAFB in Takhli, Thailand, where he was exposed to Agent Orange.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, left upper extremity neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent from April 1, 2011.,The appeal is remanded to determine if the Veteran should be granted a higher rating for his left shoulder disability.