Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a low back disorder and peripheral neuropathy, have been granted. The appeal regarding the respiratory disorder claim has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran did not set foot on Vietnam soil, thus making it impossible to apply the provisions of presumptive service connection for herbicide exposure. As a result, the claims for diabetes mellitus and its related conditions were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of the VA examiner's diagnosis and to ensure that all necessary development has been completed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision. Therefore, the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service-connected peripheral neuropathy of either upper extremity, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure during his service in Korea, is being remanded for further development and medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA clinical records and a medical examination. The examiner will assess whether his service-connected disabilities alone preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for lower extremity neuropathies is not addressed as the issues were recharacterized.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including records from the Veteran's former employer and VA clinical records. The TDIU claim is considered inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity has been rated at 20 percent since September 2006, reflecting moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy have been granted increased ratings, with effective dates of November 24, 2009.

The Veteran's right forearm/hand peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 30 percent since January 1, 2005.,The Veteran's chronic gastritis with history of duodenal cap ulcer has been rated at 10 percent since January 1, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for travel pay to obtain a prosthetic leg and shower leg from the Institute for Advancement in Prosthetics (IAP) in Lansing, Michigan was granted as it is deemed necessary due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran seeks to reopen his service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type 2, as well as claims for peripheral neuropathy and PTSD. The case is being remanded due to the need to address a clear and unmistakable error in the August 2002 rating decision denying service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran's total disability rating based upon unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied as his combined disability rating does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating.

The Veteran's diagnosed peripheral neuropathy manifested to a compensable degree within one year of his service discharge and is presumed to have been incurred during active service.

The Veteran's initial claim of a higher rating for diabetes mellitus prior to January 1, 2007 was denied. The reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent in October 2006 was upheld. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy and hemangiomas were not granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity have been granted. The initial ratings assigned are 10 percent for each condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and fibromyalgia are all granted. The Veteran experienced traumatic events during his service in the Persian Gulf War, which led to a diagnosis of PTSD. His fibromyalgia is considered an undiagnosed illness related to his service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the legs and feet is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.