Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both feet, finding that there is no evidence to support a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy as a result of military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy was denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his current condition and his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and SMC are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for psoriasis, hypertension secondary to PTSD, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's skin condition was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is found to be related to his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The skin disability of the feet prior to September 15, 1998, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, to include as secondary to his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus, was denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran seeks service connection for acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, which he claims is related to his military service exposure to herbicides in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine if the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling of VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and kidney failure as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his active service or service-connected prostate cancer, and did not manifest within weeks or months of any presumed exposure to herbicides. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral vascular disease of both lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, Type II diabetes mellitus with cataracts, coronary artery disease, and erectile dysfunction, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his diabetes mellitus and its associated neuropathies, including right footdrop. The case is being remanded for a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease secondary to diabetes mellitus, but remanded the issue of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that further development of the Veteran's claims is needed, including obtaining private medical records from Dr. Walsh.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each, effective since December 3, 2004.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that these conditions are related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been treated with oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin, but does not require regulation of activities or hospitalization.,Since March 24, 2009, the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent due to restrictions on strenuous activity.,The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity results in weakness and pain but no significant chronic motor or sensory abnormality.,The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity also results in weakness and pain, with a history of exacerbation over the course of the appeal period.,The Veteran's diabetic amyotrophy of the right lower extremity is rated at 10 percent due to an exacerbation that resolved over time.