Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2013

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, concluding that there was no in-service injury or disease leading to current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected polyneuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is currently rated at 20 percent, reflecting moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board denied increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that symptoms did not more nearly approximate the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and associated peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities. The current ratings are considered appropriate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as his combined rating is at least 60% and he has other non-service connected disabilities that affect his employability. The Board finds the VA examination report to be more probative than the SSA determination in determining the Veteran's employment capabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, through his authorized representative. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review the appeal and it is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed right carpal tunnel syndrome and right ulnar neuropathy are not related to his military service or any of his service-connected disabilities, leading to a denial of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the July 2012 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left lower extremity disability, including axonal polyneuropathy and L5-S1 radiculopathy, is not related to his active service. The evidence does not show a chronic disease during service or within one year of separation from service. The current conditions are attributed to a non-service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, resulted in a combined rating of 70 percent. The Board granted entitlement to a TDIU rating from November 19, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, to include as a result of Agent Orange exposure, increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to scheduling of a videoconference hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for impingement syndrome of the right shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar neuropathy of the left wrist, and carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar neuropathy of the right wrist.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining all types of substantially gainful employment.

The Board finds that the Veteran likely has peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities that is attributable to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The claim for retinopathy is denied as there is no evidence of current retinopathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen any of his previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran without a waiver of RO consideration, and because the Veteran received recent treatment for his skin cancer and peripheral neuropathy at VA facilities. The claims will be reconsidered in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for ulnar neuropathy with residual nerve deficit and pain, left elbow. The opinion concluded that the current condition preexisted his active duty service and any aggravation was due to natural progression.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the right lower extremity, back disability, and right knee disability are found to be related to his service-connected left ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis.