Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of neuropathy in his left upper and lower extremities, or any disability manifested by numbness and tingling in those areas. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new VA treatment records received after the March 2015 supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are being remanded due to outstanding treatment records and a need for a new VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses of peripheral neuropathy are not related to his active military service, including exposure to herbicides. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is more likely due to alcohol use and vitamin B12 deficiency.

The Veteran's right lower extremity neuropathy is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 8520. The appeal for higher ratings has been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral radiculopathy and neuropathy of the lower extremities, both secondary to his service-connected fibromyositis of the lumbar paravertebral muscles.

The Veteran's atherosclerosis of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is due to his service-connected ischemic heart disease. The Veteran has metatarsalgia of the right foot, but no other diagnosed foot condition. His acquired psychiatric disability (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression) and kidney disease are not related to his active service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew the issues of entitlement to service connection for atrial fibrillation, subacute peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity, and entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left distal radius fracture, status post reduction, with degenerative changes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of some issues related to his prostate condition and sleep apnea. The decision also includes a determination that he is eligible for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides and environmental hazards, as well as the inextricably intertwined secondary service connection claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is not related to his active duty service and is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disorder, including diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support service connection on any basis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a determination made by VBA regarding the territorial status of Da Nang Harbor. The Veteran's claims for service connection remain pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2 with no herbicide exposure. The evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran's current condition is related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is being remanded due to outstanding records and a need for further medical examination.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's left upper extremity neuropathy prior to March 22, 2007. The issue of TDIU is remanded and will be adjudicated by the AOJ.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, both claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The Board has determined that a Statement of the Case must be issued on these issues.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The Board also finds that the Veteran has peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and a kidney disability, but these conditions are not found to be related to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides during service in Vung Tau Harbor and other locations close to the coastline of Vietnam.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to presumed exposure to herbicides during service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.