Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a systemic condition affecting all of his joints, including neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative joint disease. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence showing that his conditions warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, including hypertension, upper back disorder, osteoarthritis of the joints, skin disorder (presumptive due to herbicide exposure), and peripheral neuropathy (presumptive due to herbicide exposure). The pulmonary disorder was not shown in service or for many years thereafter.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated during service and did not develop as a result of an established event, injury, or disease. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of May 8, 2001, for his TDIU rating. The veteran did not meet the percentage criteria for a TDIU rating under section 4.16(a) prior to this date.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, including as due to herbicide exposure, is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back strain with degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine, with limited motion does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent. The evaluations for his peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are also denied as they do not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II with probable neuropathy should be August 28, 1996.

The veteran's service connection for peripheral neuropathy and dermatological conditions secondary to diabetes mellitus has been granted.

The veteran's lupus, arthritis, GERD and peripheral neuropathy are not service-connected.,Service connection for the veteran's lupus is denied as it was not shown in service or related to any service-connected disability.,Service connection for arthritis is denied as it was not shown in service or related to any service-connected disability.,Service connection for GERD is denied as it was not shown in service and has no relation to any service-connected disability.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is denied as it was not shown in service and has no relation to any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of peripheral neuropathy in the upper or lower extremities, nor can it be presumed to have been incurred during service. The claim for hypertension is also denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service and the presumptions do not apply due to the long period between separation from service and diagnosis.

The veteran's claims for facial neuropathy and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence. The SSA records indicate he is unemployable, and private medical records suggest a possible viral involvement with his diabetes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have neuropathy of the hands and arms, herniated discs at C-3, C-4, and C-5, a neck condition (variously diagnosed as a lipoma or neurofibroma of the neck), or degenerative changes of the cervical spine due to service. The preponderance of the evidence shows that these conditions were not present in service or until many years thereafter.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for neuropathy, but it is not granted as there is no established service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his postal service disability records and arranging for medical examinations to assess the nature and severity of his PTSD and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ulnar neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and denied his claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not support a finding of regulation of activities due to diabetes mellitus.

The veteran is appealing the denial of service connection for various conditions, including a right knee condition and cervical spine disability. The appeal also includes claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection. The case must be remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine appropriate rating criteria.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, heart condition, and hypertension have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions or a link to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cold weather injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. The veteran currently does not have PTSD.

The veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and proper notice under 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103(a).