Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Board denied service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as not incurred in or aggravated by service and not proximately due to or the result of diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that further examination and medical opinion are needed to resolve the claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy, as the current evidence is inadequate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and heart disease. The evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on the criteria provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to malaria, colon nodules, or peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure. Coronary artery disease was not shown to be caused by service-connected PTSD and/or hypertension. The Veteran's functional bowel syndrome with hiatal hernia is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left ulnar neuropathy and palsy from July 21, 2007 was granted. The appeal for an initial rating prior to that date is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened and rendered him unemployable, necessitating a remand to obtain updated medical records and adjudicate increased rating claims for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current peptic ulcer disease is at least as likely as not related to his period of active service. The claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder was aggravated by active service, and his bilateral upper extremity neuropathy is secondary to a service-connected disease or injury.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, sexual dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus type II have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a disorder of the left hand, a headache disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or show that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with peripheral vascular disease and associated peripheral neuropathies have been rated based on the current manifestations, but no higher ratings are warranted as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for the increase in severity of the peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to being aggravated by the diabetes mellitus.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left arm disability, including peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left above knee amputation as a result of vascular neuropathy, finding that it is not related to his military service.

The Board has ordered additional VA examinations and requested medical records to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C and peripheral neuropathy, as well as any aggravation by service-connected PTSD. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's current peripheral/axonal neuropathy was not incurred in or aggravated during active service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred. The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran is seeking TDIU ratings for his service-connected disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development of the evidence, including a VA examination and referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Services for extra-schedular consideration, is required.