Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding that his symptoms did not warrant higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for right ulnar nerve compression was denied. The current rating of 30 percent is maintained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, polyneuropathy, coronary artery disease including carotid stenosis, and stroke are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination and remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in medical records regarding the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and proper notice under Dingess v. Nicholson.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities has been granted, with a rating of 40 percent for the right upper extremity (dominant) and 30 percent for the left upper extremity (non-dominant).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 with peripheral neuropathy was denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes with complications, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, hypertension, and loss of use of a creative organ are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have current disabilities for otitis media, costochondritis, and left upper extremity ulnar neuropathy. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. Therefore, a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy in his upper and lower extremities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of his upper extremities, finding that it may not be presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange. The condition has never manifested as acute or subacute peripheral neuropathy and did not resolve within two years after last exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left triceps with left ulnar neuropathy was denied. The highest possible evaluation (50%) has been granted, but he is seeking the maximum available rating.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in the Veteran's upper and lower extremities, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current peripheral neuropathy and that any such condition is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for VCAA notice and additional evidence regarding his service connection claims.