Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic insomnia, initial evaluations of post-operative right shoulder instability and left ulnar nerve neuropathy, and initial compensable evaluations for right ulnar nerve neuritis were denied. The veteran's claim for L1 compression fracture residuals was remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, or peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities that are attributable to military service.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to be the cause of his peripheral neuropathy and hypertension, with no direct connection.

The veteran is seeking service connection for lumbar radiculopathy and neurological neuropathy, which he claims are related to his military service. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for any of the claimed disabilities, including those related to herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the extremities from July 16, 2002 is denied. The RO must schedule VA examinations to evaluate these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to recent treatment records and a need to consider evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for residuals of an injury to the lumbar spine and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and diabetes mellitus. The veteran was granted a 10 percent evaluation for each of these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the veteran's incarceration and lack of service records related to cold weather injuries.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in his right upper, right lower, or left lower extremities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy in his upper extremities is not related to his military service and denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected conditions, finding that the evidence did not support ratings higher than the current 30 percent for status post right arm fracture with residual ulnar neuropathy.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The decision found that the condition did not manifest within one year of presumed exposure and was not related to his service or any aspect thereof.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a back injury, leg and arm pain with neuropathy. The evidence does not support a finding that the current condition is related to service or any other compensable event, disease, or injury.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic pancreatitis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to herbicides/depleted uranium.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if any current back disability is related to service and for issuance of a statement of the case on peripheral neuropathy claims.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development of evidence, including any new evidence received since December 2006. The veteran and his representative will be given an opportunity to respond.

The Board finds that the veteran's currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is causally related to presumed herbicide exposure in service, and thus grants service connection on a presumptive basis.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and his case is dismissed.