Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his left inguinal groin neuropathy did not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back condition and associated peripheral neuropathy is being remanded due to unclear evidence regarding the presence of neurological manifestations in the lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) is denied because the criteria for SMC were met as of September 21, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder dislocation and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to determine if his ship, the U.S.S. Midway, was exposed to herbicides during his service in the waters offshore and other locations.

The Veteran is seeking earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 with hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records and review the claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, blood in urine/hematuria, and hypogonadism. The Veteran's PTSD and status post laminectomies L4-5 disabilities are currently rated at their maximum levels.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him at any point during the appeal period.

Prior to January 18, 2013, the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities was manifested by mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerves. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and granted a 10% initial rating for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed neuropathy, including whether it is related to service or was caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy affecting both lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to an unforeseeable transportation issue preventing the scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be rescheduled for a new hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is etiologically related to his presumed herbicide exposure while serving in Vietnam, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for peroneal neuropathy in both lower extremities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms meet criteria for severe incomplete paralysis.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity is rated at 40 percent prior to May 2, 2014 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. Therefore, the claims remain denied.