Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, an initial compensable evaluation for aortic aneurysm, or a disability rating in excess of 10 percent disabling prior to April 14, 2005, and 20 percent thereafter, for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board found that the Veteran's end stage renal failure did not result from carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA. The amputation was deemed necessary due to worsening diabetic ulcers and infection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and diabetes mellitus, preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. As a result, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is found to be proximately caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The claim for service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining private medical records and reviewing VA examination reports and treatment records. The issue remains in appellate status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is proximately due to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ulnar compressive neuropathy was incurred in or caused by his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated appropriately, and no higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing and the issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) on several service connection claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, bilateral rotator cuff tear, cervical spine disorder, and bilateral hip disorder as secondary to his service-connected bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy are currently rated at 20 percent effective March 10, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of Reserve service periods and obtaining a VA examination to determine if diabetes mellitus originated during active service or a period of ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not service-connected as it was not incurred in or aggravated by service.,The Veteran's kidney cysts, lung disorder, and nerve disorders are not service-connected as they were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as his claim for an effective date prior to August 9, 2007 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link between service and these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals from a right arm fracture, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), left knee disorder, right hip disorder, headache disorder, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted. The decision is based on new evidence that supports reopening of these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's Peyronie's disease is related to his service-connected diabetes, but his bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is not. The Veteran meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral leg disability. However, the Veteran's current diagnoses of peripherovascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy do not establish service connection as there is no competent medical evidence showing such conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.