Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Board has granted initial 10 percent ratings for bilateral ulnar neuropathy of the upper extremities, finding that the Veteran's disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for a mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerves.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with callosities and metatarsalgia was rated at 50 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The Board found that his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of whether the Veteran's conditions are due to undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1117.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is not related to military service or a service-connected disability, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, secondary to his service-connected low back disorder. The peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is not related to service or to an incident of service origin.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes and PTSD were denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected conditions warranted a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to clarify the diagnosis of any currently existing disability affecting his bilateral upper and lower extremities, and to provide medical guidance as to the etiological basis for each such condition diagnosed. Additionally, recent treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy affecting either upper extremity, arteriosclerotic heart disease, or kidney disorder. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his service-connected left hand disability was denied. The evidence prior to April 1, 1998 did not show the disability approximated severe incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran does not have current psychiatric, bladder, sweating, bilateral upper extremity, or left lower extremity disabilities that are service-connected. The Board finds no evidence of such conditions following service separation.

The Veteran's Type II Diabetes Mellitus is presumed to have been incurred during his service in Vietnam due to exposure to herbicides. Service connection for right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, depression, ED, sleep disorder, fatigue, and lightheadedness are also granted as secondary to the diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for PTSD, service connection for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted. The earliest dates assignable for these conditions are based on the dates of receipt of his initial claims.

The Veteran's right arm disability is not service-connected, and his left shoulder, upper arm, and ulnar neuropathy disabilities do not support a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral breast disability and bilateral feet neuropathy did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's left wrist disability was noted on entrance into service but increased in severity during service.,Service connection for a bilateral breast disability and bilateral feet neuropathy cannot be granted as the Veteran has not provided sufficient evidence to establish an in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was caused by his service, specifically exposure to Agent Orange. As a result, the claim for service connection on this basis has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain with arthropathy, necessitate the need for an automobile to accommodate his mobility limitations.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities associated with diabetes mellitus type II is denied as the majority of his symptoms are due to nonservice-connected conditions, specifically his peripheral vascular disease and chemotherapy from colon cancer.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is related to service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining private treatment records.