Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing this issue as the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, including the nonunion fracture of the scaphoid and associated sensory neuropathy, has been rated at 30 percent since June 16, 2012. The rating is based on ankylosis of the minor wrist in a position unfavorable to motion.

The Veteran's right ulnar neuropathy is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent since December 2, 2009. The Veteran's limitation of flexion and impairment of supination and/or pronation of the forearm are both rated at their maximum schedular ratings of 30 percent each. The Veteran's recurrent laryngeal papilloma is currently rated as 30 percent disabling since February 29, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diabetes and related conditions, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that these disabilities alone were sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence to establish the presence of a current neurological disability in the Veteran's legs, and thus service connection for neuropathy cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the claims of cervical spine disability, right ulnar neuropathy, and residuals of a right hand injury have been dismissed as she has withdrawn her appeal for these issues.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed service-connected due to herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board has granted this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, and hypertension are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under applicable regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing as requested. The claims of service connection will be further evaluated after the hearing.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by service, including presumptively based on herbicide exposure. Service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the appeal is denied for peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve in both hands.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is service connected as it is a result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide adequate reasons and bases for denying service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, as claimed secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran testified that he was diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy at the Helena VA clinic in 2012 or 2011.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, residuals of a left hemisphere stroke, lower extremity gout, and thyroid disorder. As such, there are no remaining questions to be decided by the Board.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the RO's severance of service connection was not valid due to procedural errors and lack of evidence establishing clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and related peripheral neuropathy, do not render him unemployable without regard to advancing age.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, sleep apnea, diabetic neuropathy/numbness of the feet, hypertension and GERD/acid reflux have all been denied as they are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection on any basis.