Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. Service connection was also denied for high blood pressure due to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, impotence, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, and depression have all been denied as secondary to herbicide exposure. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange in Panama.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status. His conjunctivitis is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's service in Vietnam, which could affect his claim for service connection based on herbicide exposure. The Veteran is presumed exposed to Agent Orange and may be entitled to service connection for prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy if these conditions are associated with such exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's immune complex disease and vasculitis with peripheral neuropathy are not related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities related to his active duty service, herbicide exposure, or service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The examiner determined that the Veteran's current bilateral neuropathy is less likely as not caused by or the result of a service-connected disability, diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and Charcot foot disability are currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 40 percent, while the right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also rated at 40 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition, thyroid condition, high blood pressure, and peripheral neuropathy. The claim for exposure to Agent Orange as a result of herbicide exposure is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature of his peripheral neuropathy claims. Additionally, a VA examination will be scheduled to assess the current severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and bilateral polymyalgia rheumatica, finding that there was no medical evidence suggesting a relationship to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, effective from December 7, 2006. The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are being remanded due to a need for further development.

The Veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which he claims is due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of his current condition and whether it is related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accident.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, including chronic lumbar strain syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. The case has been remanded for further examination and evaluation of the impact of these conditions on employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to render him unable to obtain and maintain any form of substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disorder and effective dates prior to December 26, 2002, for separate evaluations of his bilateral foot disabilities. The appeal is dismissed.