Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for a condition of the right hand, wrist, and fingers as secondary to service-connected right elbow disability. The Veteran's other claims are either denied or require further development.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for type II diabetes mellitus was granted, but the Board found that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The Veteran's onychomycosis of the toenails with tinea pedis, bilaterally, more closely approximated to the criteria for a 20 percent rating as analogous to scarring.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a left forearm muscle injury with ulnar nerve neuropathy and left forearm scarring are being remanded to the RO for additional development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar peripheral neuropathy is in remand status due to the need for additional development and opinions. His pending claim for diabetes mellitus must also be adjudicated before his current claim can be decided.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, and neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining outstanding treatment records.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD effective April 15, 2011. The Veteran's claim was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence regarding his hypertension.

The Board found no direct service connection for the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and polyneuropathy, as they are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and a combined disability rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of alcoholic peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower extremities as secondary to PTSD was granted. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantial gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not shown to be related to his service, including herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim for TBI residuals is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation benefits was denied because he is already employed in a suitable position and does not have an employment handicap due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to procedural defects, including the failure to issue a statement of the case for his disagreement with assigned evaluations and earlier effective dates. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated in conjunction with these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is related to his herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was reopened, and he is now receiving a 40 percent rating for his right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.,His left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy also received a 40 percent rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bladder cancer and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to insufficient evidence to decide the claims.

The Veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, which he claims is related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The case has been remanded due to inadequate examination in determining whether this condition is secondary to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased evaluations, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral hands and feet, and cardiovascular disease. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.