Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including diabetes, neuropathy of the feet, hypertension, and a left eye disability. The Veteran asserts these conditions are related to exposure to herbicides or asbestos during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not manifest within a year of discharge and there was no evidence linking his current condition to his in-service jungle rot injury. The Board also found insufficient evidence to link the Veteran's kidney cysts to his period of service.,There is no direct or presumptive service connection for peripheral neuropathy or kidney cysts.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral leg disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation for either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right median nerve neuropathy warrants a 30 percent disability rating, effective from the date of his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the period from December 4, 2014 to present.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The remaining claims are not currently before the Board.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. His neuropathy of the right and left feet are rated at 20% and 10%, respectively, while his bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10%. The Veteran's PTSD with depressive symptoms continues to be rated at 30%. TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant in a statement dated March 9, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain outstanding medical records and for new examination reports.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to technical issues with the November 2015 Board videoconference hearing. The case will be scheduled for a new Board videoconference hearing at the appropriate RO.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that his impairment was analogous to forward flexion greater than 15 degrees without spinal ankylosis or prescribed bed rest.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and affording the Veteran an opportunity to submit evidence. The claim will be adjudicated in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of his upper extremities, but rather carpal tunnel syndrome. The claim for service connection is denied as there is no evidence to support a finding of diabetic neuropathy or any other condition causing the symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a medical examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 3, 2010. The claims for service connection for glaucoma and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to March 7, 2011, and a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is rated at 20 percent, and the reduction of his diabetic retinopathy rating from 10% to noncompensable effective November 9, 2009 was proper. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is rated as 10%, and his diabetic nephropathy associated with diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction prior to January 28, 2015 is rated at 60%. His peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity are each rated at 10%. The Veteran's hypertension is not separately service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal via a March 2016 written statement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's polyneuropathy of the lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The Board also found that it is less likely than not related to his service-connected right and/or left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical evidence and to schedule the appellant for an appropriate VA aid and attendance or housebound examination.