Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA medical records and the need for an SOC on all issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current peroneal nerve neuropathy is caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disorder, warranting service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of trenchfoot in both lower extremities and PTSD have been granted, with each receiving a 30 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete information and potential new evidence. The claims will be reviewed again with a focus on whether there is new and material evidence, the relationship between his current symptoms and service, and any necessary medical examinations.

The Board granted increased ratings for the veteran's back disability and peroneal neuropathy of the left lower extremity, effective from November 13, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and additional consideration of the claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure full compliance with the VCAA and to provide a complete record for adjudication. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied. The claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both feet was also denied, as there is no evidence relating the current condition to service.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his employability.

The veteran is seeking higher evaluations for diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy, early cataracts, and peripheral neuropathy from specific time periods. The case has been remanded to allow for further development including a medical opinion.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The veteran's appeal of the issue regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to nerve impingement, bilateral upper extremities has been withdrawn. The other issues remain under consideration.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue, and the case will be handled by the RO nearest the veteran's new location in Arizona.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of his claims, including obtaining any outstanding VA treatment records and preparing a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of cold injury are service-connected, based on medical evidence linking his current symptoms to in-service exposure and injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dizziness and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity. The claim for increased evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper, right lower, and left lower extremities was remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of both diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The veteran's claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability, left leg disability (including below-the-knee amputation), and lung disability. The left leg disability is related to in-service cold injury residuals.

The veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy due to herbicide exposure are denied as there is no evidence of service connection or a nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Board finds that there is no evidence of a relationship between the claimed HIV related illness, depression, hepatitis C, ulcers, lung condition, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine and service. The conditions are not shown in service or soon after service.,The Board also finds that there is no evidence of a relationship between HIV related illness and depression, hepatitis C, ulcers, lung condition, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine.