Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The veteran is entitled to compensation under Section 1151 for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, which he claims was caused by VA medical treatment. The Board found that the failure of VA to timely diagnose and treat his diabetes exacerbated his diabetic neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for increase for headaches, depression, residuals of a left clavicle fracture, and left elbow neuropathy due to additional development being needed.

The Board found that the veteran's low back, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, and right knee disabilities are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder. The claims for increased evaluations of his pre-operative knee disability will be remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right leg disability is not related to his service-connected left leg injury and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The RO denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of right ring finger injury and resulting tendon repair, as well as his current peripheral neuropathy of the upper right extremity, are directly related to service. The appeal is granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings of diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and impotence have been granted. The current ratings are 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, 20 percent each for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and noncompensable for impotence.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have peripheral neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA Cold Injury Protocol examination to determine if the veteran's current symptoms, including foot and leg pain and swelling, are related to his exposure to cold weather in service. The examiner should also assess whether any peripheral neuropathy is caused or aggravated by cold injury exposure.

The Board denied all claims for service connection and the veteran's appeal is dismissed.

The Board found that the veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The currently demonstrated peripheral polyneuropathy in the lower extremities is shown as likely related to or a complication of the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors. Service connection was also denied for jungle rot and erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disorder, cerebral vascular accident, cataracts, hypertrophic astigmatism and presbyopia, and mild left upper lid ptosis, all claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is denied. The left wrist disability claim will be remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, finding that it is not associated with his nonservice-connected multiple sclerosis or unknown etiology. The veteran was previously rated as zero percent disabling due to the VA examiner's opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for service connection due to potential issues with verifying his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The claims will be reconsidered after further development.

The veteran withdrew his appeals, leaving no justiciable case or controversy for the Board to consider.

The veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and a low back disability were previously denied, and the RO has declined to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's frostbite residuals warrant a rating of 30 percent for each foot from October 7, 2005 onwards. The evidence supports this decision as it shows persistent symptoms such as numbness, cold sensitivity, and nail abnormalities without meeting the criteria for a higher rating.