Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with diabetic nephrology and diabetic neuropathy, lower extremities, does not require regulation of activities or episodes of ketoacidosis/hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for peripheral polyneuropathy of both feet, secondary to diabetes mellitus. The disabilities are currently rated as 10 percent disabling from April 12, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy and primary lateral sclerosis as due to Agent Orange exposure, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and arthritis, both claimed as residuals of frostbite incurred during active service. The VA found that there was no objective evidence of a cold injury in service and insufficient medical evidence to link current symptoms to such an injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a medical examination. The veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has remanded this case for further examination and opinion regarding the veteran's claimed neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities.

The veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus requires treatment with insulin and a restricted diet, but does not require regulation of activities. The claim for an increased evaluation is denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides was denied as there is no evidence of a disease or disorder for which a presumption of service connection arises, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current condition is related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for his service-connected disabilities, including scars of the chin and forehead, right ulnar neuropathy, left shoulder impingement, and a total evaluation based on individual unemployability. The effective date for each condition was confirmed as November 7, 1994.

The veteran's service-connected right wrist disability and ulnar and median neuropathy have been rated at the highest possible level of 30 percent, but an initial 60 percent rating is granted for ulnar and median neuropathy.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the claimed conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for his claimed right upper extremity condition, left upper extremity condition, low back condition, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's low back disorder is rated at 20 percent, and the residuals of gunshot wound to the left lower extremity are rated at 40 percent. The left peroneal neuropathy (residuals of gunshot wound) is not separately rated as it was not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, effective May 28, 2003. From that date, separate 10 percent ratings are granted for neuropathy of each foot.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and soft tissue sarcoma, both claimed as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses of these conditions.

The veteran is seeking service connection for idiopathic polyneuropathy and arthritis, both potentially related to exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and possible examination.

The veteran's duodenal ulcer disease, status post vagotomy and pyloroplasty, is currently rated at 20 percent. The increased ratings for neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerves are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy with ataxia is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to outstanding development needs.