Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and a separate rating of 20 percent for left leg neuropathy is granted. The appeal regarding service connection for the liver, kidney, and left knee disabilities is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence of such condition during or within one year after service separation. The Board also found that the veteran's claim could not be based on herbicide exposure as a presumptive disease.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety as secondary to the veteran's service-connected conditions, including his knee and back disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with a VA examination to assess his diabetes mellitus. The issue of service connection for peripheral neuropathy will also be addressed.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are not attributable to his active military service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by service and could not be presumed to have been caused by exposure to herbicides. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right hand and shoulder disorders, characterized by ulnar and median neuropathy and arthritis, were not incurred in active service or duty for training, and they are not a residual of his service-connected burn.

The veteran's claim for secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, a disorder of the left lower extremity, glaucoma, and bladder disorder is denied as there are no current diagnoses that support these claims.,The veteran's claim for secondary service connection for coronary artery disease (including hypertension) is denied as there is no evidence of such condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that the veteran does not have diabetic peripheral neuropathy and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy in either his right upper or lower extremity, and finds that it is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, a facial scar, and fungal infection of the feet. The veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicides in Vietnam, which supports his claim for type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board granted increased disability evaluations for sensory neuropathy of the left upper and lower extremities, as well as right upper and lower extremities. The maximum schedular evaluation was assigned.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at their maximum allowable levels, with no additional ratings granted.

The VA determined that the veteran's left shoulder and arm disability with associated neuropathy does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD, effective from September 19, 2003. The veteran's PTSD produces occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities has been rated at 10 percent since August 4, 2006. Prior to this date, he was granted a 10 percent rating for each affected extremity.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, hearing loss, and tinnitus related to exposure to Agent Orange are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of each lower extremity results in disability tantamount to no worse than mild incomplete paralysis of the peripheral nerves, and thus does not warrant an increased rating.