Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus. However, there is no evidence of upper extremity peripheral neuropathy during the pendency of this claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on regulation of activities. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to failure to provide a Statement of the Case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is service connected. However, there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or manifestations of peripheral neuropathy, bilateral upper and lower extremities, as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and a left elbow disability, finding that there was insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to evaluate his diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The examiner will also provide an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension was incurred in or due to active service, secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Vietnam or had chronic symptoms related to these conditions during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is proximately due to or the result of service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, are denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and exposure claims, but the VA has not verified his exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides. The case is being remanded for further investigation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have effectively resulted in the loss of use of his feet, and he is granted special monthly compensation based on this. He is also granted assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy, including meralgia parasthetica of the right leg, is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or PTSD.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was caused by herbicide exposure in service. Therefore, service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, was denied. The VA examiner found no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and noted that it resolved without residuals in 1988.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for diabetes was denied, but the Board found new and material evidence to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for hepatitis C.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities has been rated at 40 percent since July 2008, based on moderate to severe incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity was granted with a 10% rating effective April 9, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, and the Veteran does not have a compensable dental disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for heart disease and neuropathy of the left hand and arm with carpal tunnel syndrome prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claims for upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were also denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.