Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is rated at 40 percent, but no greater, based on symptoms consistent with moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of Osgood Schlatter's Disease and granted service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's right knee disability, left knee disability (secondary to right knee), and peripheral neuropathy are all considered in their respective claims.

The Veteran's claims for loss of motor and sensory function, identified as peripheral neuropathy, of the right upper extremity and bilateral lower extremities, were denied. The claim for erectile dysfunction was granted based on its secondary relationship to service-connected lumbar spine DDD disability and PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular percentage requirements for a total rating based on individual unemployability, and his employability is precluded due to his multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's combined schedular rating for multiple service-connected disabilities has now reached 100 percent, rendering moot his claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service connected disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination to assess his employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left groin disorder is granted, and his claims for higher ratings for other service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant an initial rating in excess of the currently assigned ratings, and he is not unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, lung disorder, shortness-of-breath, erectile dysfunction, neuropathy of hands, right foot, and left foot. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral feet as they are not linked to military service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining clarification of the Veteran's intent regarding potential service connection claims and seeking relevant medical records. The Veteran is also to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service, while his neuropathy of the lower extremities is not considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a prostate disorder. The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling prior to November 9, 2009, and 70 percent disabling from January 1, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of fracture of the right third metacarpal.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO due to the VLJ who conducted the February 2011 hearing no longer being employed.

The RO denied increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertension were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, is causally related to service. His diabetic nephropathy, chronic renal insufficiency with anemia (renal disorder), diabetic retinopathy, diabetic maculopathy, with bilateral mature cataracts (eye disorder), and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are all secondary to his diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected sleep impairment, including insomnia. The Veteran's reported symptoms were attributed to his diagnosed psychiatric and alcohol dependence disorders.,There is no evidence linking the bilateral upper and lower extremity numbness to Agent Orange exposure or any other presumptive basis.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity. These conditions are all believed to have been incurred during active service due to exposure to cold weather.