Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to exposure to Agent Orange, toxins, and jet fuel have been denied.

The Veteran's left herniorrhaphy scar is manifested by a one by 20 centimeter painful scar and has been rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is able to perform sedentary work despite his arthritis and neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected median mononeuropathy with osteoarthritis from a fracture of the left wrist, along with separate ratings for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and surgical scars, was granted by the RO. The current rating is 20 percent disabling.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral foot conditions, including degenerative joint disease, neuropathy, chronic onychomycosis and flat feet, are likely due to his service in Germany. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding initial evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities with carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA neurological examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of new medical records that need to be reviewed and considered by the RO/AMC.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right foot problems are related to an injury he sustained during active service, and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of increase for left knee disability and service connection for right knee, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of cold injury to the bilateral upper extremities is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess whether any current disabilities are related to in-service exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of the upper or lower extremities and finds no basis for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy of each extremity, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, resulting in a grant of service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was denied as there is no diagnosis provided. The other issues were not addressed due to lack of information.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to inadequate examination findings and potential aggravation of his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by or a result of Agent Orange exposure during active service. The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only was also granted.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The claim remains denied.