Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding herbicide exposure and medical opinions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, which he attributes to herbicide exposure. The case is being remanded due to non-compliance with prior Board directives and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and COPD. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as further examination and medical opinion are needed to address the functional effects of his combined service-connected disabilities, particularly in light of possible increase in severity since his last VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left ankle disorder is not related to his military service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claimed peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was not present during service and is not linked to his active duty, including exposure to herbicides. The Board found no evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding that there was no medical evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's DM type II has been rated at 20 percent, and the RO granted separate compensable ratings for diabetic neuropathy of both upper extremities. The RO also granted a 10 percent rating for diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity and denied an increased rating for diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, which he contends is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board has determined that additional development is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a new VA examination. The issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II or compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 are inextricably intertwined with the erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, or hyperlipidemia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for cataracts, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, or peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities as they are not related to his active duty.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is granted as of September 22, 2011. The SMC will be at the aid and attendance rate due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claim for service connection of diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claims for service connection of neuropathy of the upper extremities, neuropathy of the lower extremities, and retinopathy were also denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and a stroke were denied. The Veteran does not have current peripheral neuropathy or a stroke.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues related to recurring cysts behind ears and neck, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right upper and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right eye disability, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for adjustment disorder with depression, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of cold injury to the left and right feet. The claim for service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury to bilateral upper extremity is denied as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to in-service cold exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of all extremities were denied. The effective date remains July 14, 2011.