Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted at 40 percent each, effective August 26, 2008. The earlier effective date of September 15, 2005 has also been established for the award of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 25, 2013. The RO granted a higher rating for PTSD and denied service connection for other conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability of left or right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and vocational rehabilitation information. The Board will also schedule a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral foot condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral ankles or neuropathy/radiculopathy affecting his upper and lower extremities, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's ilioinguinal neuropathy has been rated at 10 percent since the initial rating period, which is the maximum available under VA regulations. The claim for increased ratings for genitourinary symptoms as a residual of the excision of a ruptured varicocele remains pending.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and diabetes mellitus, type II have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the maximum available rating of 50 percent since February 24, 2010. The evaluations for peripheral neuropathy and bilateral hearing loss have not met the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia patella has been granted a 20 percent disability rating, effective from the date of this decision. The restoration of a 20 percent rating for his lumbar spine condition is also granted.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower bilateral extremities has been rated as moderate incomplete paralysis, warranting a 20 percent rating for each affected extremity. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current conditions and service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further development of evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension (secondary to diabetes), peripheral neuropathy (secondary to diabetes and/or low back disability), a bilateral eye condition (secondary to diabetes), and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The AOJ did not provide proper notice of the unavailability of SSA records as required by regulations.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy are not related to his active military service or to his service-connected lumbar and thoracic spine disorders.

The Veteran's right ulnar disability and left ulnar disability are rated at the minimum levels, with no higher ratings warranted under applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's left thoracic outlet syndrome does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a TDIU was denied as there were no pending claims prior to October 1, 2012 and the criteria for a schedular TDIU had not been met.