Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, restless leg syndrome, and osteoporosis. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a secondary service connection theory for these conditions.

The Veteran's right foot peripheral neuropathy is service connected and rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran's migraines are rated at 30 percent, with attacks occurring every four to six weeks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his diabetes mellitus disability and associated complications. Additionally, he must be provided with a Statement of the Case regarding service connection for an antiplatelet condition (swollen legs) and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as his erectile dysfunction are related to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD due to a verified event during active service.

The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, loss of sense of taste, DJD of the upper and lower back, and bone spurs of the shoulders have been denied as there is no evidence to support a direct service connection.,Specifically, the Veteran has not been diagnosed with these conditions. The medical evidence does not show any association between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder, low back disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected shell fragment wound of the left thigh. The RO should schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and service connection for prostate disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression) were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either upper extremity, as it only demonstrated mild neurologic symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of a chronic disease or symptoms attributable to herbicide exposure within two years of discharge from service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the previously denied claims of headaches and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg weakness, residuals of a left shoulder injury, stomach disorder, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 60 percent, effective May 19, 2010. The rating was increased based on the need for insulin and restricted diet due to episodes of hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations a year.

The Veteran's low back condition is rated at 20 percent, effective September 21, 2009. His left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also rated at 10 percent, effective September 21, 2009. The Board has granted the Veteran a higher rating for his low back condition and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, specifically exposure to excessive noise. His claims for other conditions are denied as there is no evidence of current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied.,Service connection was granted for depression with an effective date of March 11, 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or substantially contribute to his death from Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, and Polyneuropathy.