Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that these conditions did not manifest during or as a result of active military service. The claim for service connection related to radiation exposure was also denied, with no evidence linking any current disabilities to such exposure.

The Veteran's post-operative left forearm malignant melanoma with painful and adherent scar (also claimed as sunburn) was not manifested in service, and a preponderance of the evidence is against finding it is related to service or caused by service.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was not manifested in service, and a preponderance of the evidence is against finding it is related to service or caused by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including asthma, lip cancer, cervical spine disability, generalized arthritis, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and sinus disability. The reasons given were that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is causally related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus, and the Board grants service connection for this condition as secondary to the service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy, including as due to herbicide exposure. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral upper extremity neuropathy and therefore, service connection cannot be granted for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at his local RO. The issues on appeal include service connection for various conditions secondary to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Board granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and remanded the remaining issues. The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, cervical spine disability, and acquired psychological disorder (other than PTSD) as secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain were all granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if diabetes mellitus had its onset during service or is related to an in-service disease, event, or injury. Additionally, verification of herbicide exposure in Guam and at Offutt Air Force Base will be conducted.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as hypertension and hepatomegaly, all found to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The kidney disorder (including proteinuria) is not currently addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, and his lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, collapsed lung, and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board finds no evidence to support a direct service connection claim for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a comprehensive VA internal medicine examination to determine the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in service. The Veteran is also granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, as it was likely incurred within seven years of discharge from active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability and bilateral leg disability are not related to service, while his skin disability (claimed as cellulitis of the groin) is presumed due to herbicide exposure. The claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of February 27, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for increased special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance at a higher level of care has been denied as he does not meet the threshold requirements for any of the required levels of SMC.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of his upper or lower extremities secondary to his service-connected diabetes, and denied service connection for stage III kidney disease as secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, gastroparesis, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy in both legs and arms, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's right ilio-inguinal sensory neuropathy is currently rated at the highest schedular rating possible under applicable criteria, and his claim for an increased rating has been denied.