Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are at least as likely as not of such severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is being remanded due to a lack of recent examination and outstanding treatment records.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current neuropathy of the left upper extremity, left shoulder condition, and cervical spine degenerative disc disease are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's service connection appeal for a cervical spine disability with radicular pain and numbness has been granted, as the Board finds that the current condition is related to injuries sustained during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand or Korea, and no objective medical evidence linking these conditions to active service.,There is no direct evidence showing a link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct a VA examination, and determine if higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities likely combine to preclude gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with arthritis and left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy as secondary to service-connected low back strain.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability, including flat feet and peripheral neuropathy, to his service. The Veteran's symptoms began many years after service.

The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance due to the wear and tear caused by his service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the feet, which results in him using a VA-issued manual wheelchair at home.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to effective dates for service connection and disability ratings. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining results of VA January 2008 vascular studies and/or EKG study, reviewing all relevant evidence added since the April 2012 statement of the case, and issuing a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, right and left upper extremity disorders are not related to his military service.,Service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a nexus between current disabilities and in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PVD and peripheral neuropathy are not related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus or dermatophytosis, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of CUE in August 19, 1982, and September 3, 1986, RO rating decisions regarding his right knee disability and erectile dysfunction and neuropathy. The Board also denied a claim for an effective date earlier than January 18, 1994, for TDIU due to the Veteran not meeting schedular criteria prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disability, including heel numbness and neuropathy of the feet, has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is manifested by symptoms that may be characterized as moderately-severe incomplete paralysis, and he has been granted increased ratings for both left and right lower extremity conditions.

The Board has found no direct service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus, but denied his claims of service connection for onychomycosis of the toes and foot neuropathy due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a comprehensive examination. The issues of service connection for left median mononeuropathy and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a left shoulder disability are pending.

The Veteran's recurrent right leg exertional compartment syndrome was initially manifested during active service and is now granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's post-operative frontal ependymoma residuals, short-term memory loss, and a recurrent headache disorder are not related to her in-service headaches or service.