Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and denied service connection for the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for a separate compensable rating for diabetic retinopathy and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy, and the Veteran's diabetic retinopathy did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have Reiter's syndrome or peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities that are related to his period of active duty service. The Veteran's current conditions are attributed to other causes, such as alcohol use and diabetes.

The Veteran's hearing loss is granted as service connected. The claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to allow for further development of his claim, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been granted. He is now rated at 10 percent for his left hip dystrophic calcifications with DJD, lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and depression secondary to RSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were not granted, and no special monthly compensation was awarded due to lack of evidence showing need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-existing shrapnel wound to the right leg with residual neuropathy and right foot drop was not aggravated by his military service, thus granting service connection based on a presumption of soundness at entry.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the disability picture did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation prior to May 10, 2005 and beginning on May 10, 2005, it met criteria for a 40% evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen several of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's varicose veins of the left leg warrant a 40 percent rating, but not higher. The peripheral neuropathy of the left leg is secondary to the service-connected varicose veins.

The Veteran's right posterior tibial neuropathy is currently evaluated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's CLL is related to in-service chemical exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied. The Board also found that his claim for TDIU was not raised by the record.

The Veteran's radiculopathy is associated with his service-connected cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis. His peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are not related to his service or any aspect thereof, including his service-connected spinal conditions.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The remaining issues of prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Board finds that the Veteran's polyneuropathy of his upper and lower extremities is not related to his service-connected PTSD, lumbar spine DJD, or cervical spine arthritis. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the polyneuropathy was caused by or aggravated by these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his residuals of a nose injury (including headaches), the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's service-connected deviated nasal septum is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,External hemorrhoids are currently noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a compensable disability rating.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.