Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Board has granted service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran was stationed near the perimeter of Ubon RTAFB in Thailand where he likely served as a weapons mechanic exposed to herbicides.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not show a causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy or bladder impairment, and the evidence does not support service connection for these conditions.,Service connection is denied as there is no established current disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The evidence did not support ratings higher than the currently assigned 20 percent ratings for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including low back disability, groin injury residuals, pulled abdominal muscle, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), breathing condition (chronic bronchitis), colon cancer, H. pylori infection, diabetes mellitus, gout, and hemorrhoids (precancerous condition). The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting back disorder was not aggravated by any period of active duty or ACDUTRA service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of his left and right lower extremities was rated at 10 percent, effective January 26, 2009.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, including exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and ionizing radiation during service. The claim is being remanded for further examination and development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any claimed conditions. The Veteran was granted a non-compensable rating for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for each of the Veteran's lower extremity peripheral neuropathy conditions, effective from the date of the July 2013 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected median nerve neuropathy of the right hand is characterized by severe incomplete paralysis, warranting a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional examination to determine if the Veteran has a current diagnosis of a neurological disability in his hands and fingers that causes symptoms of numbness, including exposure to herbicides in service.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection claims, finding no CUE in the decisions.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities began in active service and is related to herbicide exposure. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's employability prior to March 31, 2010.

The Veteran's gallbladder condition, bilateral upper extremity condition (including tenosynovitis and peripheral neuropathy), periodontal disease, and bilateral hearing loss are not found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus or service. As such, the claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower and upper extremities or erectile dysfunction. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for HIV and all related complications, including encephalitis and neuropathy. The claim for dental treatment purposes for loss of teeth secondary to HIV was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, including CIDP, is related to his military service and herbicide exposure. The cervical spine DDD claim requires additional development as it involves a recent diagnosis.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted, as his condition is found to be related to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for ulnar neuropathy of the upper left extremity based on a manifestation to a degree of 10 percent disabling within one year of service separation, which qualifies under the presumptive provisions.