Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2013

The Veteran's combined schedular rating is 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's axonal sensory polyneuropathy is found to be related to service, and his pleural plaques due to asbestos exposure are granted a non-compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed skin disease and neuropathy.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right ulnar neuropathy, left knee lateral release with osteoarthritis, and right shoulder status post labral tear repair on or after December 9, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues include increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected bilateral pes planus, and for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran does not have sensory peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities or any other neurological disability of the lower extremities, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to be the cause of his peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of a cold injury during service and concluded that the current conditions are not related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange, is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, pelvic injury, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was granted. The issue of secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression) is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an addendum to the July 2010 VA examination and providing notice as required by Kent v. Nicholson.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, including as secondary to residuals of cold injury. The Veteran's lay history of exposure to cold temperatures in Japan is consistent with his service record, and a VA medical opinion supports the conclusion that his current peripheral neuropathy is related to this exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, which he asserts is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, has been denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his hypertension.

The Veteran's death was attributed to suicide due to his service-connected major depression, which contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and PTSD, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board finds that the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance are met.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of bilateral hands and feet did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is unrelated to his active duty service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum from the April 2012 VA examiner or, if unavailable, another examination. The Veteran's current right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is being evaluated for its relationship to his service-connected back and right ankle disabilities.