Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy has resulted in moderately severe, incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. As a result, an initial disability rating of 40 percent for each lower extremity is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any disabilities of the legs and feet, including those claimed as residuals of a cold injury to the lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy, a leg disorder with paralysis, Raynaud's phenomenon, or a bilateral foot disorder. The evidence shows no clinical demonstration of these conditions during service or for many years after service, and there is no medical opinion linking any current disabilities to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee subluxation and other conditions, have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tonsillar cancer (claimed as throat cancer) and peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities have been granted. His facial and neck scars are also considered secondary to his service-connected tonsillar cancer.,New evidence has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for vascular headaches, which is being addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's upper extremity peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 20 percent since September 23, 2013. Prior to that date, the condition was rated at 10 percent.,Since September 23, 2013, the Veteran's lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has also been rated at 40 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange. However, the VA examiner found no causal relationship between the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and his exposure to Agent Orange, as it did not manifest within one year of exposure or resolve within two years after exposure.

The Veteran's left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 20 percent since March 22, 2007. The condition is characterized by severe incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes, hypertension, or diabetic retinopathy, and is not otherwise related to active military service.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and VA medical opinions do not support service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's current OSA and sciatic nerve disorder are found to be related to service, while his peripheral neuropathy is not. The lung disorder claim has been denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides in service, and therefore cannot establish presumptive service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to clarify the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral arm disorder, including whether it is related to service exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a hearing at the RO or via videoconference.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete information and the need for further development regarding his claims of service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but granted it. The Veteran's skin condition and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly the neurological impairment affecting his lower extremities, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and nerve damage, left ulnar neuropathy are related to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. Therefore, these conditions have been granted secondary service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and a low back disability, both as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's hypertension is also considered secondary to his diabetes.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is related to his military service, specifically exposure to herbicides. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is being remanded for additional development, and the other conditions are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.