Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an increased rating in excess of 60 percent for type I diabetes mellitus with bladder dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to address his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are sufficiently severe to render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes and neuropathy were not incurred or aggravated by service, including as a result of exposure to herbicides. The claims are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's National Guard personnel records and medical treatment records, as well as VA examination opinions regarding his claimed disabilities. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess his employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional development, including obtaining post-November 2011 treatment records from the Charleston VA Medical Center and providing a new VA examination for the TDIU claim. The issues on appeal include reopening of a hearing loss claim, service connection for various peripheral neuropathies, tinnitus, hyperkeratosis, wrist scar, foot scar, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted, with the diagnosis being based on current evidence that supports a PTSD diagnosis linked to in-service stressors.,Service connection for right foot neuropathy was denied as there is no competent and credible evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent prior to January 9, 2006 and increased to 20 percent from June 3, 2007 onwards. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities has been rated at 10 percent since July 27, 2011, while his right lower and left lower extremity neuropathies have remained at 10 percent.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not found to warrant a higher rating prior to January 9, 2006. From January 9, 2006 to June 2, 2007, the condition did not require any additional treatment beyond diet and exercise. Since then, it has required oral hypoglycemic medication and a restricted diet.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was rated at 10 percent prior to July 27, 2011, with no higher rating being warranted due to mild incomplete paralysis in both radial and ulnar nerves. Since then, it has not met the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to July 27, 2011, with no higher rating being warranted due to mild incomplete paralysis in the external popliteal nerve. Since then, it has not met the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to July 27, 2011, with no higher rating being warranted due to mild incomplete paralysis in the external popliteal nerve. Since then, it has not met the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and morning reports to verify his exposure to Agent Orange in Korea. The VA examiner who conducted the May 2012 mental disorders examination will be asked to reconsider their opinion based on newly added service treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS, but denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and generalized arthralgia involving ankles, shoulders, knees and hips. The right inguinal hernia claim is also addressed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was rated at 10 percent from March 26, 2010 to April 15, 2012 and increased to 20 percent effective April 16, 2012. The peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is currently evaluated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination for his cervical spine disability and because of inextricably intertwined issues regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral lower extremities.

The Board has found that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy, including whether it is related to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's diagnosed peripheral polyneuropathy of the upper extremities is shown to be related to active service due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, finding no current disabilities or evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depressive disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are being remanded due to a material change in his disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for the residuals of frostbite, to include peripheral neuropathy, is granted as it is more likely than not that his current condition is due to an in-service cold weather injury.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.