Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities were granted, effective September 15, 2009. The diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent, the peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities at 20 percent each, and the TDIU claim was established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities or a vision disorder, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board finds that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits may be made regarding the Veteran's claim for TDIU. The case is REMANDED to obtain information related to the Veteran's Social Security claim and financial status, as well as clarify whether the Veteran still desires a hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gum disease was denied. The claim for service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen claims for low back disability, residuals of head injury (other than headaches), right leg disability, sinusitis, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disability, diabetic retinopathy, throat disability, and PTSD. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 25, 2004, or from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, and a VA examination is needed to assess the impact of these conditions on his ability to work.

The Board finds that there is competent evidence tending to establish that anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, with sub-clinical symptoms of PTSD is related to service. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is found to be a congenital defect and the examiner opines it did not pre-exist service or increase in severity beyond natural progression.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including type II diabetes mellitus and heart disability, were denied as the evidence did not show a link to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities with loss of sense of taste and smell and equilibrium, and Dupuytren's contractures is being remanded due to the unavailability of service treatment records and the need for further medical opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran was granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities with an effective date of July 10, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing updated medical opinions regarding his knee disabilities and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during his tour in Panama.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and ulnar neuropathy of the right elbow were denied. The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic knee disabilities were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and therefore denied his claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with end stage renal disease, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic gastroparesis, and coronary artery disease was denied because there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues not being considered on all bases for service connection, including direct and secondary.