Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for ulnar neuropathy and paresthesia of the right hand was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 26, 2008 or in excess of 30 percent from that date.

The Veteran's claims for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist and hand, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, were denied. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are directly related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any condition related to his service, and therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at an approximate balance and grants service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding it incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and entitlement to special monthly compensation is denied due to clear and unmistakable error in granting these conditions based on presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has interfered with his employability, preventing him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of frostbite and acquired psychiatric disorder were partially granted. The claim for residuals of frostbite was denied, while the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (specifically anxiety/depression) was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as her peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are not related to or caused by her service-connected cold injury residuals. As a result, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 4, 2003 for service connection of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were denied as there was no indication that he had filed an earlier claim.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 25, 2004 for residuals of a shrapnel wound of the left shoulder was granted with an effective date of July 12, 2004.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, heart disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and retinopathy were denied as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his fear of hostile military activity during service in Vietnam, and the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and tremors is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current neurologic disorders are related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and neuropathy of the lower extremities is denied as there is no current diagnosis or established link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity atherosclerotic vascular disease with claudication and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated diabetic complications are granted as presumptively incurred due to herbicide exposure during service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurological disorder of the upper extremities and peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities was granted, but with no compensable rating assigned. The case is being remanded to issue a statement of the case on the issue of entitlement to a compensable initial rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides or other chemicals during service, and whether his current conditions are related to such exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure likely caused his current condition. The claims for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded for additional examination and opinion. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is referred to the AOJ for appropriate action.