Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of peripheral neuropathy in service or within one year following discharge from service. The Veteran's arm symptoms began many years after service, and the medical evidence does not support a link between his current arm symptoms and any events during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the arms has been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying stressors and obtaining SSA records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, chronic lipomas, and peripheral neuropathy are also being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his diabetes mellitus, bilateral eye disability, and related conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure. Service connection is also granted for diabetic-related lower extremity neuropathies, but not for upper extremity neuropathies.

The Veteran died of bilateral pneumonia, which the VA determined was not related to any service-connected disability. The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to determine if a service-connected condition contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in previous determinations and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right wrist fracture have been rated at the maximum disability level due to pain, weakness, and limitation of motion without ankylosis. A separate compensable rating for sensory polyneuropathy is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring special home adaptation.

The Board has granted service connection for left ulnar neuropathy, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine conditions are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, including the peroneal neuropathy component, is currently rated at 40 percent. The claim for increased rating remains granted.

The Veteran's spondylotic changes of the lumbar spine were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor can it be presumed.,There is no evidence of a frostbite injury of the left and right lower extremities during service. The Veteran's current condition does not appear to be related to his military service.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not caused or permanently worsened by any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right and left lower and upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, has been denied due to a lack of current disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for an additional VA examination to assess the current manifestations of his service-connected ulnar neuropathy and paresthesia of the right hand, 3rd through 5th fingers. The Veteran contends that his symptoms have worsened.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that his tinnitus, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and nephropathy are related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy affecting both lower extremities is at least as likely as not due to Agent Orange exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated as 10 percent disabling.,The Veteran's diabetic ulcers of the right and left feet do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for a disability manifested by nightmares of war is dismissed as his claim was granted in full. The remaining issues previously treated as withdrawn are addressed, including chronic fatigue syndrome, joint pain, ALS, and muscle pain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus does not cause or aggravate his claimed peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, Epstein Barr/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, Raynaud's syndrome, anemia, diverticulitis, tinnitus and migraines are all found to be related to Agent Orange exposure in service.