Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities has been rated at 10 percent since January 30, 2009. Separate ratings have also been assigned for the anterior crural (femoral) nerves in both legs.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (diabetes, peripheral neuropathies, and erectile dysfunction) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 15, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is productive of moderate, incomplete paralysis. The Board has granted increased ratings to 20 percent for each lower extremity.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting diagnoses of diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, requiring further testing and examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neurological disabilities of the upper and lower extremities, as well as PTSD, were denied. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity has been withdrawn, and thus the matter is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of National Guard service dates and locations, and an addendum VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's upper extremity neuropathy.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral neuropathy of the arms. The remand requires that the examiner address the private medical records documenting symptoms and diagnosis shortly after separation from active service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues on appeal, including those related to hypertension, PTSD prior to April 30, 2015, bilateral hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities.

The Board granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension, but denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, a right hand disability, and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of the Veteran's treatment records, specifically focusing on his April 2002 surgical procedure. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including upper cervical strain, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, bilateral hearing loss, and several psychiatric, musculoskeletal, and respiratory conditions. The Board has ordered a remand to address these issues due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining recent VA outpatient records and readjudicating the issues with consideration of all evidence received since the 2011 Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 100%, but the Board finds that he is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, as he was able to maintain employment until May 31, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to September 1, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification of a VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire and additional development regarding his small fiber neuropathy, bilateral pes cavus with plantar fasciitis, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities, bilateral tinnitus, hypertension, neuropathy of the lower extremities, and hearing loss, have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus type II or bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to service connection, and thus denied his claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the RLE and bilateral upper extremities was denied as there is no evidence to support a link between his current symptoms and his military service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, left patella status post meniscectomy, chondromalacia of the left knee with mild DJD, or left hip disability.