Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides or other conditions related to Vietnam service, and thus could not establish presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease, L5-S1, was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes due to his low back disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. His erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of all extremities are secondary to his diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to service exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of any claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities have been denied due to lack of credible evidence supporting his assertions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for five issues related to service connection and evaluations of various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy, and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for myofascial pain syndrome of the right face was denied. The claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection was also denied for neuromuscular transmission defect, bursitis, spurs in both knees, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy of the lower extremities, or neuropathy of the upper extremities due to service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations and obtaining updated medical records.

The Veteran's left lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment and lumbar spine DJD are rated at the minimum levels, while a separate rating is granted for his right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications, were denied as the evidence did not show a direct relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to a need for additional information from VA physicians.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for sciatic neuropathy, left lower extremity was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. As a result, service connection is restored.

The Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy has been rated at 30 percent since June 30, 1992. The current evaluation is for severe incomplete paralysis of the minor upper extremity.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including cardiovascular disorders, pulmonary disorders, Crohn's disease, and peripheral neuropathies in the upper and lower extremities. The claims are currently pending due to a lack of development regarding potential aggravation by PTSD and a need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound were received by the RO after his death, but prior to the issuance of a final decision. As such, these claims are not considered pending at the time of his death.

The Veteran's spouse is eligible for CHAMPVA benefits as of March 31, 2009, due to the Veteran being permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disabilities.