Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2013

The Veteran's left leg tibia and fibula disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 20 percent is warranted based on moderately severe incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of his disability levels.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA medical nexus opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hand condition.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and erectile dysfunction effective June 12, 2006. The Veteran's spouse requested earlier effective dates, but these were denied as there was no formal or informal claim prior to June 12, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a broken neck, left leg numbness, insomnia, left and right elbow disorders, neuropathy of the left and right hands, or a thoracolumbar spine disorder that are related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to procedural errors.

The Veteran's death was not caused by VA negligence during a VA hospitalization, and the Board finds that his death does not meet the criteria for DIC pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and right eye optic neuropathy due to herbicide exposure are not supported by the evidence of record, as there is no credible evidence of in-service exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides. As a result, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected adenocarcinoma of the prostate was granted, with a rating of 60 percent effective April 1, 2008. The issue of whether a separate rating is warranted for proctitis neuropathy has also been resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity with carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by mild impairment throughout the entire appeal period, warranting a 10% disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to render him unemployable, and the Board grants his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and confirming his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a local hearing before a Decision Review Officer and clarification on whether he wants a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cataracts and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities. The decision did not provide a rationale for these determinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, headaches, and neuropathy as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's STRs do not show any diagnosis or treatment related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than October 8, 2003, for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD) due to in-service herbicide exposure has been granted. The effective date is set at March 1, 2001.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, which he attributes to his active service in Vietnam. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for the withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.