Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Veteran's death was not directly or proximately related to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and hearing loss.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus had its onset during his military service.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is caused by or aggravated by his now service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is caused by or aggravated by his now service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and reopening of a service connection claim are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active service, and therefore denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's neurological disability of each lower extremity, as a manifestation of CMT disease, is rated at 30 percent since October 1, 2007.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, upper and lower extremity disabilities, and bilateral eye disability have been denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that there are no current disabilities related to the Veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, lower back disorder, peripheral neuropathy, right ankle disorder, or left ankle disorder. As such, service connection is denied for all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted, with reasonable doubt resolved in his favor. The claim for erectile dysfunction secondary to a service-connected back injury remains pending.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is found to be due to herbicide exposure and service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that a new medical opinion is needed to address the relationship between the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and his service-connected diabetes mellitus, as well as whether it was aggravated by the diabetes.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his employability in light of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and contacting the Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining deck logs from the USS DEHAVEN (DD 727) and determining if the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. The claims will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and therefore cannot establish herbicide exposure. The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II; neuropathy of the lower extremities; hypertension; vision disorders (glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy); and erectile dysfunction are denied as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy; and hypertension were denied as his claimed conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, neurological impairment of the lower extremities (including radiculopathy, polyneuropathy and peripheral neuropathy), and headaches are all found to be related to his service-connected chronic low back disability with arthritic changes. The claim for an increased evaluation for the low back disability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that high cholesterol is not a disability for VA purposes and the other conditions are not related to his active service or any incident of service.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be at least as likely as not due to exposure to hazardous and harmful noise levels during his period of active service, including in connection with combat while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorders (emphysema and asthma), and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities) are not related to his military service or any event of service origin.