Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under VA guidelines. The Board has also granted entitlement to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that he is unable to perform his current job as a defensive tactics and firearm instructor, nor has there been any change in occupational requirements necessitating additional services. Therefore, an extension of his period of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits was denied.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, and erectile dysfunction was clearly and unmistakably erroneous and severance was proper. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or any other service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder and left lower extremity neuropathy were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, including especially to his already service-connected left knee disability. The claims for secondary service connection for these disorders are denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diagnosed as mild sensory polyneuropathy, is likely related to his period of active service, including exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete information and evidence, particularly regarding his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The AMC/RO must ensure proper VCAA notification and obtain all necessary medical records and corroborating evidence of trips to Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete medical records and need for clarification regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the addition of his spouse as a dependent was denied. The effective date for additional compensation for dependents is set to be the same as the date of the rating decision giving rise to such entitlement, which in this case is June 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy, attributing it to direct service connection and not due to exposure to Agent Orange or any other herbicide.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and pes planus were not incurred or aggravated by active service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure during the Veteran's service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, was denied. The issue of TDIU is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran is seeking earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection and TDIU. The Board has determined that these claims are inextricably intertwined with his pending service connection claims.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 60 percent, and his neuropathy of both lower extremities are each rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and determine the etiology of his claimed peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sciatic neuropathy, back muscle spasm, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, decreased libido, or penile deformity. The evidence does not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and determining if the service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current conditions and service.