Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a supplemental medical opinion from the VA examiner to address specific questions regarding onset of symptoms and relationship to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not service-connected and denied his claim.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for higher initial ratings for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disability is found to be related to his in-service motor vehicle accident, while the service-connected diabetes mellitus is considered the cause of his bilateral foot numbness.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding that it is at least as likely as not secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The claim for peripheral neuropathy or other neurological impairment of the left lower extremity was denied due to lack of a current disability.

The Veteran's low back and bilateral leg disabilities are not service-connected. The Board finds no evidence of a current bilateral hip disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy; and chronic skin disease are denied as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The Board found that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty service.

The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective November 25, 2008. The left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remains rated at 20 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran seeks service connection for CIDP, which he claims is related to his in-service treatment and exposure to contaminated water at Camp LeJeune. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings and service connection. The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Board found that the Veteran's lower extremity numbness, diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an examination of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and a determination on whether service connection should be granted.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is currently rated at 20 percent, with consideration given to pain and side effects of medications. This rating is warranted as it accommodates his ability to ambulate independently with a cane, continue driving, and perform activities of daily living.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was granted a 30% rating effective from January 7, 2008. The Board also addressed the issue of increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus and granted a 50% rating effective from April 25, 2011.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disorders are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased evaluations have been withdrawn by his attorney.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise on whether the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity are related to cold weather exposure during service. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a left foot injury is granted. The claims for peripheral neuropathy and increased disability rating for right foot injury are pending.