Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Veteran's ischemic coronary artery disease was rated at 100% from May 1, 2006 to October 22, 2012. The Board found that the Veteran had other neurological disorders (carpal tunnel syndrome) and did not have service connection for his upper or lower extremity neuropathies due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, kidney disorder, and hypertension are all service-connected as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities on a secondary basis to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The VA examiners found no nexus between these conditions and the right shoulder.,The Board also denied the Veteran's claims for bilateral radiculopathy and neuropathy of the upper extremities on a secondary basis to his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not considered to be service-connected, as the evidence does not establish a link between his current condition and his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board finds that the appellant does not have a low back disability, sciatica, or peripheral neuropathy in either lower extremity attributable to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his disabilities.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and the Veteran's symptoms are attributable to carpal tunnel syndrome, which is already service-connected. Therefore, service connection for peripheral neuropathy cannot be granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, headaches, and a stomach disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new examination to assess his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have active duty of at least 90 days, and thus did not meet the threshold eligibility requirement for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran's acne rosacea is found to be related to his active military service. The Veteran's polyneuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is found to be related to presumed in-service exposure to herbicides.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by service, including exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. The claim for presumptive service connection based on Agent Orange exposure was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The claims for initial compensable ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is granted, and he is also granted service connection for back disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities as secondary to his diabetes mellitus. The exposure basis is Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service-connected arthritis of the left hip has been found to have aggravated his chronic muscular strain of the lumbar spine and chronic sciatic neuropathy. The Veteran is currently rated at 50 percent for arthritis of the left hip with total hip replacement since March 15, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist neuropathy and arthritis are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities. The RO denied the claim, attributing the inability to work to both service-connected and nonservice-connected conditions. The Board finds that another VA examination is necessary to determine the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Board denied service connection for Raynaud's syndrome and a neurologic disorder of the lower extremities, including polyneuropathy of the right foot. The appellant did not provide sufficient evidence to establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by his military service.