Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to the finding that his MVA was a result of willful misconduct. The Board is remanding the case for further clarification and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the Board for additional examinations and consideration due to concerns about the adequacy of previous evaluations, particularly regarding need for aid and attendance and loss of use of limbs.

The VA has determined that there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in either the Veteran's right or left upper extremities.,VA medical records and examinations have consistently found no evidence of such a condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with xerosis and peripheral neuropathy, bilateral upper and lower extremities is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as the disability does not require insulin or hospitalization.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, chronic renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, precluded him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy during a hearing. As a result, the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his active service, including exposure to herbicides. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the upper extremities, claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, is being remanded due to insufficient opinion regarding whether the condition is aggravated by diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected right median nerve neuropathy and bilateral metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint degenerative arthritis are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted due to the lack of more severe impairment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and his hypertension is rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are not shown to warrant higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current skin disability, hypertension, or neuropathy of the left lower extremity that is related to his active service. Therefore, he is denied entitlement to service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for VA examinations.

The Board has decided the case needs further development due to the need for a new VA examination and updated medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for refractive error, chronic sinusitis, and a bilateral leg disability characterized by cramping and neuropathy. The issues of entitlement to service connection for chronic sinusitis and a bilateral leg disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's service connection claim for type II diabetes mellitus has been granted. The Board also found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Korea, triggering the presumption of exposure and service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury is granted. The claims for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The VA determined that the Veteran's neuropathy of the lower extremities was not related to his service, specifically herbicide exposure.,The VA also found no evidence supporting herbicide exposure as a cause for the Veteran's erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's post-operative left wrist neurologic disability, diagnosed as ulnar cutaneous neuropathy and neuritis, is found to be caused by VA carelessness or negligence in providing surgical treatment. The service connection for residuals of the lipoma excision cannot be established due to lack of evidence showing a direct link to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and an eye disorder (including diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and constricted visual field) as due to service-connected diabetes mellitus.