Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied by the RO. The RO found that his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating based on current medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed non-specific polyneuropathy and low back disability are not service-connected, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum available rating. The other claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has denied service connection for numbness of the right hand, left hand, and jaw disability. The claim for increased rating for residuals of SFWs of the legs and wrist was granted with a 10% rating. Service connection for tinea pedis remains denied.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's residuals of frostbite of the right foot, which is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 7122.

The veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. The Board found that there was no evidence of such exposure in Vietnam and thus could not presume it.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased disability rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability is being considered, as well as whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder with neuropathy of the arms.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for frostbite or cold injury of the hands and feet, and granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy as a residual of cold injury. The decision is based on new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board denied service connection for an autoimmune disorder, a skin disorder, and peripheral neuropathy all claimed as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence presented.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including neuropathy/carpal tunnel syndrome, a low back disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and bilateral foot disorders. The decision found that there was no evidence of current disabilities or etiological links to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy and COPD, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service, including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The case is remanded to determine whether the veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his Schizophrenia alone, or in combination with other non-service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and for a VA examination.

The veteran's application for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) was denied because he is not in 'good health' according to the standards established by the VA, as his non-service-connected disabilities exceed the threshold of 300 percent mortality.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with associated complications is rated at the highest available rating of 40 percent. Ratings for peripheral neuropathy are granted at 10 percent each for both lower extremities.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, and retinopathy have been denied. The RO increased the rating for Type II diabetes mellitus to 40 percent effective May 8, 2001.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence and potential private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the veteran's TDIU claim due to the inextricability of other issues, and requested additional evidence including a VA examination for his right ulnar and median nerve neuropathy.