Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Board granted service connection for coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure, but denied the other claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral foot disabilities are denied. The claim for an increased rating for right hand neuropathy with scarring is also denied.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's representative.

The Veteran's service connection for a right shoulder disability has been granted and he is currently receiving a 20 percent evaluation.,His service-connected right ankle disability was initially rated as noncompensable, but an increased rating to 10 percent effective March 16, 2009, and then to 20 percent effective April 27, 2010.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of fibromyalgia, hypertension, or peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities being related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a March 2009 neurological examination report and return it for further appellate consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a clarifying medical opinion regarding the combined effect of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and scarring of the buttocks are remanded due to incomplete service records, requiring further investigation and possible VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and acquired psychiatric disability (depression) are all related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ASCAD) associated with diabetes mellitus, type II from June 1, 2007, was denied. His TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy, as well as consideration of a TDIU claim. The case will be returned to the Board after these issues are addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and left ear hearing loss are all service-connected. The Veteran has been granted a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD since September 2, 2005, and is also granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinea pedis, and a rash-type disorder involving the chest and legs.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain prior to February 11, 2005, and separate 20 percent disability evaluations for left and right lower extremity neuropathy during the entire appeal period.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder and bilateral foot disorder other than peripheral neuropathy are not related to his military service, thus denying these claims.

The Veteran's diabetic polyneuropathy of the left and right lower extremities has been rated at 20 percent since October 20, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings and service connection were granted, with a 30% rating assigned for bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal heel spurs effective September 12, 2006. Service connection was established for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to chemical exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy and posttraumatic stress disorder, have resulted in a permanent and total disability rating. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities affecting both lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities may be presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange, and thus grants a claim for service connection.