Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy and vascular problems and erectile dysfunction, all secondary to herbicide exposure. The veteran was not granted any of his claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disorders and peripheral neuropathy are not related to his service, including his exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to diabetes. The effective date is set at September 26, 2002, based on the earliest clinical manifestation of symptoms referable to peripheral neuropathy.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development to determine if he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities. However, he is not substantially confined to his dwelling or immediate premises by reason of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to his service or exposure to Agent Orange. The case is REMANDED for obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA neurological examination.

The RO granted service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure, effective February 23, 2001. Service connection was denied for a skin disability and peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings, finding that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant higher disability evaluations based on current symptomatology.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and chloracne, finding no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The Board also found that presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicides is not warranted.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that chloracne was not incurred or aggravated by service and is unrelated to military service, including presumed herbicide exposure during his service in the Republic of Vietnam. Peripheral neuropathy of the right leg and left leg are not shown to be related to military service, including presumed herbicide exposure. Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Sjogren's syndrome were not incurred or aggravated by service and are unrelated to military service. Arthritis of the legs and feet is not shown to be otherwise related to service or a service-connected disorder. Hypertension was not incurred in service but is aggravated by his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for medical opinions regarding his hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found that the veteran did not have heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, or peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities during service. As these conditions were not shown to be related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy, early cataracts, and peripheral neuropathy warrants increased evaluations for different periods of time.

The veteran's cause of death was renal failure due to or as a consequence of gastrointestinal bleeding. The appellant claims that the veteran's conditions were caused by medications for his service-connected low back disorder, including NSAIDs and aspirin.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of performing activities of daily living without regular assistance from another person, and he does not have a single service connected disability rated at 100 percent. The veteran is not substantially confined to his ward or clinic areas because of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence showing that his conditions are more than mild.

The veteran's service-connected right and left leg disabilities are rated at 10 percent each. The VA determined that the disability picture for both legs more nearly approximates moderate incomplete neuralgia of the external popliteal nerve, warranting a 20 percent evaluation.