Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for left peroneal neuropathy and TDIU, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Veteran's symptoms were noted to be mild incomplete paralysis of the left anterior tibial nerve, with no significant occupational effects.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence submitted by the Veteran, and further development is required before a final decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the claimed peripheral neuropathy, specifically as due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, and separate ratings for proctitis neuropathy, as well as a TDIU rating, was denied by the Board. The case is being remanded to consider whether additional separate ratings are warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance for his spouse was also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the right arm and residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right upper arm with retained foreign bodies, were a contributory cause of his death from septic shock due to pneumonia.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, to include as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of private medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right ulnar nerve neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service symptoms. Service connection was denied for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran is granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic retinopathy with macular degeneration, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to herbicide exposure during his service in Korea. His secondary service connection claims are also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and Charcot joint disease, finding that December 6, 2007 is the earliest date of entitlement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension are not service-connected as they did not manifest within one year of separation from service or are not otherwise related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are granted, with an effective date of October 22, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Thailand and Vietnam. The VA will make as many requests necessary to obtain service department records.

The Veteran's right lower extremity sensory polyneuropathy and lumbosacral strain are currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action. The case will be returned to the Board only if additional development or other appropriate action is taken.

The Veteran was granted service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II, diabetic retinopathy and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as complications of his diabetes, hypertension, and Dupuytren's contractures. Service connection is also granted for essential hypertension, but not related to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA SMP aid and attendance/housebound examination to determine whether the appellant is in need of aid and attendance or if he is housebound due to his disabilities. The appellant also needs assistance with cooking, dressing, medication management, and paying bills.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU were granted, resulting in additional compensation benefits. The appellant is seeking attorney fees based on these grants but has not filed a notice of disagreement (NOD) as required by the regulations.