Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and adjudication due to a lack of medical evidence. The case is now pending again.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for ED remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is related to his in-service acoustic trauma. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, a right knee disorder, and peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical inquiry.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs are manifested by severe disability and have been rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms, including pain during standing and walking.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only has been granted due to the loss of use of at least one foot as a result of service-connected disabilities. The issue of reopening the sterility claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was denied as there is no evidence of a disease or injury during service, and no chronic symptoms since service. The Board found that the Veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy, and his assertions of continuous post-service symptoms are inconsistent with his own previously reported histories.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a personal hearing and readjudication of his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board also granted a TDIU rating effective from August 29, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral leg disability, including Buerger's disease and peripheral neuropathy, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathies are currently rated as mild, warranting a 10 percent disability rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds no evidence of more severe impairment that would justify an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and residuals of mouth trauma. The claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is referred to the RO for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.,Additional development is required to address the remaining issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is not caused or permanently worsened by his service-connected paralumbar soft tissue scar, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy incurred or aggravated by service, including due to herbicide exposure. The claim for secondary service connection based on diabetes mellitus is also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a hernia and cervical disc disease, brachial plexus neuropathy, and right bicipital tendonitis. As such, these claims are now reopened.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to an outstanding request for a videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, as determined by a VA examination. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including determining the appropriate diagnostic codes for his fibromyalgia manifestations and considering if combining separate ratings would provide a higher evaluation than the current 40 percent rating.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities. The issues are being returned for further development.