Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address whether the Veteran's claimed condition is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial evaluations for his diabetic neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities is denied as there is no evidence that he requires regulation of activities or use of insulin due to diabetes.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted with a staged rating, and the effective date for service connection is set at August 31, 2006. The claimant received an increased evaluation of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability as of August 24, 2010.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The claims of service connection for bilateral defective hearing and chronic bilateral upper and lower idiopathic sensory polyneuropathy were withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection and exposure claims, as well as a need to consider new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to new evidence and other issues not yet addressed by the agency of original jurisdiction.

The Veteran's upper extremities/hand function is preserved, including grasping and manipulation. The Veteran has not lost the use of either arm or hand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of headaches other than those associated with allergic rhinitis and episodic sinusitis. Therefore, service connection for this issue is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), is being remanded for further development. The case will be reviewed and the appropriate action taken.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus with associated peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, result in a combined 80 percent evaluation and preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The claim for hypertension is reopened.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot/ankle condition and bilateral hand/wrist/forearm condition, specifically peripheral neuropathy, were incurred in service.

The Veteran's cerebrovascular accident is not considered to be caused by VA medical care, and the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran does not have additional permanent disability, including polyneuropathy of the left foot, as a result of VA treatment in September 2004 and July 2005. The Board finds that there is no evidence to support the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and peripheral neuropathy are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of chronic symptoms in service or a nexus between current conditions and service. The Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected DJD of the right foot is currently rated at 20 percent, effective March 8, 2007. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining employment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent. The claims for increased ratings have been granted.

The Veteran is seeking benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for various disabilities resulting from care received at a VA facility, including gastrectomy and vagotomy, prostatitis, retinal detachment, lymphocytic pleocytosis, and neuropathy. The case has been REMANDED to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and right knee instability have been granted. However, his claims for service connection for lower back and cervical spine disabilities, left knee condition, SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status, and TDIU have all been denied.