Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Board found that hepatitis C with peripheral neuropathy was not due to disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address the Veteran's right elbow disability and his TDIU claim. The issues include seeking higher ratings for the right elbow disability and determining whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the appellant's diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, diabetic left hand syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, effective December 27, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left lower extremity disorder, diagnosed as traumatic neuropathy, is service-connected and was incurred during service. The right knee osteoarthritis is also service-connected and is considered secondary to the left lower extremity disorder.,The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is related to his left lower extremity dysfunction due to abnormal weight-bearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD-related memory loss, have rendered him unemployable consistent with his education and occupational experience. Therefore, the Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as he failed to appear at the scheduled VA examination and did not provide good cause.

The Board has determined that a VA medical examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current eye disability, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The appellant's representative requested this remand for the purpose of obtaining such an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, granting these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, prior to January 13, 2010, is rated at 20 percent. From January 13, 2010, the rating remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's right foot claw toe deformity and right foot neuropathy are currently rated at the minimum levels, with no higher ratings warranted. The cervical spine/neck disability is not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a spine disorder (cervical and lumbar), residuals of a hernia repair, and peripheral neuropathy. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neurological disability of the upper extremities, sleep apnea, and tinnitus as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board found that peripheral neuropathy was not manifested within one year after separation from service and is not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, with effective dates not specified.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent disabling effective June 19, 2009. The RO found that the condition did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disability, and peripheral neuropathy of the extremities as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus Type 2 was reopened and granted based on exposure to herbicides in service. Service connection is also granted for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus Type 2, but not for peripheral neuropathy or a bilateral eye disorder. The claim for renal insufficiency remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is due to his active military service, specifically his in-service exposure to cold weather conditions. The medical evidence supports this finding, including a VA examination report and a private physician's opinion.

The Veteran's progressive polyradiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy are found to be as likely as not due to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to in-service cold injuries has been granted.