Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity with Dupuytren's contractures (minor) is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity with Dupuytren's contractures (major) is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, prostate disorder, skin disorder, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, fibromyalgia, ischemic heart disease, and sleep disorder. The claims are based on direct service connection rather than a presumption or exposure basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board videoconference hearing. The case will be forwarded to the Board for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for a C-section scar and lumbar spine disability. The claim for acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, is substantiated but the issue of bilateral lower extremity disability (peripheral neuropathy) remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including addressing his contention that the disability is due to radiation exposure and updating the claims file with any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to new and material evidence. The reduction in the disability rating for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 60 percent, effective June 1, 2010, was found proper.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues are whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus rating from 100% to 20% was not warranted, and thus denied the request for restoration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and neurological disorders, render him unemployable. The Board finds that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, but denied service connection for hypertension, GERD, a spinal disorder, and ED. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military noise exposure. Service connection was not established for hypertension or GERD as they are not related to diabetes mellitus. Peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right lower extremity were granted initial evaluations of 40 percent each.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (Peripheral Vascular Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities, and Cold Injury Residuals of the Hands, Feet, and Ears) were found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death. As a result, entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, was denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Veteran is service-connected for peripheral neuropathy of both right and left lower extremities and back disability, which necessitates the use of a knee brace and wheelchair. The Board finds that he is entitled to an annual clothing allowance for the year 2013.

The Veteran's right and left internal popliteal nerve neuropathies have been rated at 20% since November 13, 2012. The claims for higher ratings are denied as the evidence does not support a finding of more than moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his peripheral neuropathy of both feet was incurred or aggravated by service, including presumed exposure to herbicides. The condition is not considered presumptively related due to lack of early-onset manifestation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, updated VA treatment records, and a medical opinion regarding his employability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination. The Under Secretary for Benefits will also be consulted regarding whether cervical radiculopathy and neuropathy of the upper extremities are related to radiation exposure or other factors.

The Veteran's non-service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to permanently preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his age, education, and occupational experience. The Board finds that the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating are met, granting non-service-connected disability pension benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left ankle, wrist, and elbow disabilities were denied as the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.