Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; prostate cancer; ischemic heart disease (CAD); and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are all granted based on exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's frostbite of the feet, bilateral foot neuropathy, bilateral leg neuropathy, and partial amputations of the left second and third toes are all service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as his erectile dysfunction, are all found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and sinusitis are related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected gunshot wound of the right shoulder, involving Muscle Groups II, III, and IV, is rated at 40 percent. The Board found that separate ratings for each muscle group are warranted due to a through-and-through injury with muscle damage.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is due to herbicide exposure during military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,The claim of new and material evidence to reopen a left knee disability has also been denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy related to his in-service cold weather injury, and therefore service connection is granted for residuals of a cold weather injury of the lower bilateral extremities. The claim for residuals of a cold weather injury of the upper bilateral extremities is denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for polyneuropathy, Graves disease, and GERD on the basis of Agent Orange exposure. The case is remanded to obtain VA examinations and opinions regarding these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of her claims, including a new evaluation for dysthymia and entitlement to automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower bilateral extremities, as well as hypertension, have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.,There is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy or hypertension in the record.

The Veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on April 9, 2008 were not reimbursable because the treatment was not related to a service-connected disability and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including ratings for his knee and leg disabilities, effective date claims, and a need for permanent aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to allow for further development of medical evidence and clarification of the Veteran's entitlement.

The Board has ordered a VA examination by a neurologist to determine the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, which is believed to be related to exposure to Agent Orange during service. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, but she is not found to be unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for paranoid schizophrenia, a low back disorder, and conditions secondary to herbicide exposure. The appeal concerning peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as well as an increased rating for a cervical spine disability is pending.

The Veteran's cerebellar atrophy/spinocerebellar degeneration and chronic peripheral neuropathy are related to in-service Agent Orange exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to be the primary cause of his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. The Board grants service connection for these conditions as secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 70 percent, and his back strain disability was granted a higher rating of 40 percent effective January 21, 2010. The ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left legs remain at 10 percent.