Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding it presumptively incurred due to exposure to herbicides during active duty. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy as a complication of diabetes mellitus type II is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, broken bones of feet, and retinopathy were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The presumption of herbicide exposure is not applicable due to lack of evidence of such exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.,For the period prior to June 30, 2009, the Veteran's left hand median nerve focal neuropathy (carpal tunnel syndrome) meets criteria for a 30 percent rating.,The Veteran's left hand median nerve focal neuropathy (carpal tunnel syndrome) from June 30, 2009 onwards does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.,The Veteran's right hand median nerve focal neuropathy (carpal tunnel syndrome) meets criteria for a 20 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of a current disability or in-service exposure to herbicides that would support these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of both the right and left lower extremities is currently rated as mild in degree, with no evidence of muscle weakness, atrophy, loss of reflexes, frequent falls from sensory loss, or other significant symptoms. The Veteran continues to experience pain, numbness, tingling, and a sense of balance issues.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right lower extremity disability, including arthralgia, myxoid degeneration, and compressive neuropathy. The Board has determined that the current VA examination report is inadequate and remanded to provide a new one.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not show that his diabetes mellitus, hypertension with proteinuria (due to diabetic nephropathy), or other service-connected conditions required regulation of activities or insulin use. The Veteran was also found not to meet criteria for a higher rating based on complications.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities with bilateral Charcot deformities and degenerative joint disease of the ankles and feet result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, allowing him to be granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining his service personnel records and determining if he was exposed to herbicides. The effective date of any potential grant of service connection is not specified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and associated radiculopathy, as well as hearing loss and tinnitus, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, he is entitled to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which is higher than what he seeks.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, thoracolumbar spine disability, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy were denied. The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD was reopened based on new evidence, but the claim itself was not granted as his claimed in-service stressors could not be verified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his tumors and peripheral neuropathies, as well as the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including Gulf War Syndrome, depression, neuropathy, radiculopathy, and various other symptoms. The issues are related to service connection for these conditions, with some seeking reopening of a previously denied claim for migraine headaches.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disability, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, right hand Dupuytren's contracture, and coronary artery disease (CAD) are not service-connected as they were not shown during active duty or within one year of discharge. The evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for herniated spinal discs, left foot neuropathy, and right foot neuropathy have been granted.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.