Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantial gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that his currently diagnosed condition is not related to his active service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for severance of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied. However, his claim for a left foot condition other than peripheral neuropathy was granted.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective March 20, 1991. The effective date was advanced based on the fact that he had been unable to work since the 1980s.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for polyneuropathy, left ulnar neuropathy, and left peroneal neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for further medical clarification regarding the diagnoses and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for a new examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if his peripheral neuropathy and hearing loss are related to service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for polyneuropathy, to include Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The Board has determined that additional development is needed and the case is being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The decision is based on a finding that there was no causal relationship between head trauma and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his employability and the impact of his service-connected conditions. The Parkinson's disease claim related to presumed herbicides exposure will also be referred back to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is found to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, and thus he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed low back, left knee, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and right ankle disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right arm and hand disability, diagnosed as neuropathy and radiculopathy, was incurred during service. The claim is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, claimed as a result of herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and for a psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hand and foot disabilities are related to his time on active duty, specifically exposure to extreme cold temperatures in Thule, Greenland. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been rated at 10 percent prior to July 25, 2008, and at 20 percent beginning on July 25, 2008. The RO is directed to grant these ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions in service or due to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was previously rated at 10 percent, and the RO increased it to 20 percent effective August 28, 2008. The rating is for his service-connected lumbar spine disorder only.