Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2013

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's periods of active duty and inactive duty training, as well as potential SSA records that may be relevant. The VA will obtain these records and schedule a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the low back disorder.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is not service connected, as there is no evidence that it was incurred during his military service or due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board found that the condition did not manifest within one year after separation from service and does not stem from any other diagnosed condition.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 20 percent, and his right lower extremity with 5th toe contracture is also rated at 20 percent.,Both conditions are currently rated as moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran served in Vietnam during ACDUTRA and, if so, whether his diabetes mellitus is related to that service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate disability, spleen disability, liver disability, and peripheral neuropathy based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral legs, hands, and face due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is presumed to have exposed him to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine injury. However, no new evidence was presented that would establish a direct link between the claimed condition and service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are service-connected due to secondary service connection via diabetes mellitus type II.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is also service-connected due to secondary service connection via diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a copy of the SSA decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and vision disorder were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. He also seeks reopening of a claim for bladder disorder and service connection for PTSD.,The Veteran also seeks service connection for a psychiatric condition (likely PTSD) as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,,

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, as well as asthma, have been denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, which are related to toxin exposure during active service.,The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of axonal peripheral neuropathy is likely due to his exposure to chemical solvents, including naphtha, while serving in the Air Force.

The Board has restored a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected low back pain with herniated nucleus pulpous L5-S1, now diagnosed as status post L5-S1 left hemilaminectomy, foramenotomy, L5-S1 microdiscectomy with advanced degenerative disc disease. The reduction from 40 to 20 percent was found to be void ab initio.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling of hearings before a Decision Review Officer and a Travel Board. The Veteran's claims will be further considered based on this new information.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to herbicide exposure were denied as there is no credible evidence of such exposure during active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed neurological disorders.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing all issues on appeal.