Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II on a presumptive basis due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus are remanded for further examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right leg, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected lumbar disk disease at L4-L5.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of higher initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development due to the submission of new evidence that has not been considered in the current rating decision.

The Veteran was not exposed to herbicides in service and his peripheral neuropathy is not related to such exposure. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of an in-service incurrence or aggravation of an injury or disease to the Veteran's neurologic system.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including anxiety and depression, hearing loss, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. The RO is instructed to obtain SSA records and readjudicate the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for chronic obstructive disease, hypertension, and neurological disorders of the upper and lower extremities have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's gunshot wound to the left leg is rated at 20 percent, and he has been granted service connection for peroneal neuropathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to his service-connected gunshot wound. The effective date remains unknown.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected alcohol and drug dependence has caused his current peripheral neuropathy, which is granted as secondary to this condition.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, knee, skin, psychiatric, and left ankle disabilities were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The claim for peripheral neuropathy was not addressed due to the absence of a specific request.

The Veteran's original claim for service connection was received on December 4, 2003. The Board finds that the earliest date entitlement arose is November 2004 when he was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity. Therefore, an effective date of December 4, 2003, for the grant of service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine the credibility of his statements regarding his in-service exposure and symptomatology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including those related to his cervical and lumbar spine conditions. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, anxiety, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and hypertension were denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period. The Board found that the post-service records do not show a diagnosis or treatment for any of these disabilities until many years after service.

The Board has remanded this case for a hearing at the RO before a Veterans Law Judge due to the judge conducting the initial hearing no longer being employed by the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder, seizure disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of all extremities due to presumed exposure to herbicides during active duty.

The Veteran's combined disability rating was reduced to 60 percent effective December 1, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.