Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The appeal is not ready for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected inactive TB residuals. Additionally, he must be provided with an SOC regarding the issues of increased ratings for bilateral onychomycosis, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy as well as service connection for hallux valgus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, thyroid disability, and psychiatric disability are all denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was rated at 20 percent prior to March 29, 2011 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The RO found that his symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to address the etiology of his peripheral neuropathy and whether it is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her lumbar spine disability and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's low back disability and sciatica are not service-connected, but his right sacroiliac joint dysfunction is rated at 10%.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and is unrelated to a disease or injury of service origin. The claims for service connection for asthma, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity (secondary to diabetes), and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity are denied.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been granted increased ratings to 20 percent, effective June 4, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for fungus of the feet and hands, as well as service connection for peripheral neuropathy, are being remanded due to scheduling issues.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, right foot pes planus, left facial numbness, ulnar neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and right elbow and hand numbness.

The Board found that the Veteran's neuropathy of the lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and denied his claim for service connection. The issues regarding bilateral flatfoot and genital disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for left ulnar neuropathy and palsy was denied. The initial, non-compensable rating prior to July 21, 2007 is upheld, while the claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent from that date is without legal merit.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for lung disorder, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the left arm was granted. Service connection for postoperative residuals of a boil of the left thigh, low back disability, and bilateral foot disabilities is also granted. The Veteran received special monthly compensation on account of being housebound.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss with a 10% disability rating, effective April 19, 2007. The Veteran's other claims were denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is etiologically related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities prior to May 8, 2001.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.