Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a bilateral leg disability, finding no evidence of peripheral neuropathy in service or within one year post-service. The Board also found that there is insufficient medical evidence to establish a relationship between the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy and his period of active service.

The Veteran's diagnosed peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were denied as there was no evidence of moderate or severe incomplete paralysis, which is required for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's currently diagnosed left knee disability (characterized as peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity) resulted from his service-connected left foot disability. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, fibrocystic breast disease, and has denied service connection for chronic headaches, low back disability, right hip disability, right knee disability, and neuropathy of the right foot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are not related to service, including as a result of herbicide exposure in Thailand. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities so as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. As such, he is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran seeks service connection for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, which he claims is due to radiation exposure in Japan following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, his service records are unavailable, and there is no corroboration as to his assertions regarding his military service or travel to Japan. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which he claims is due to herbicide exposure during his military service. The case is being remanded as VA has not provided a sufficient opinion regarding whether early onset peripheral neuropathy was present within one year of the last exposure to Agent Orange and if it is related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities have been granted service connection with effective dates prior to February 7, 2011.

The Veteran's DM and PN of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent each, with no higher ratings warranted due to lack of insulin use or restriction of activities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities due to recent testimony indicating current symptoms, but further examination is needed to assess their severity.

The Veteran's right eye condition, diagnosed as nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes. Effective January 22, 2008, the Veteran's service connection for diabetes and its associated peripheral neuropathies are granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is being remanded due to conflicting evidence and missing VA medical records. The AOJ will obtain relevant VA medical records, schedule a VA examination, and determine if the Veteran has current peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and whether it is related to his diabetes or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The appellant is at least as likely as not in need of aid and attendance based on physical incapacity, which requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect the claimant from hazards or dangers incident to her daily environment. The Board finds that she needs regular aid and assistance due to medical conditions such as dizziness, imbalance, angina, fatigue, dyspnea, pain, numbness, and falls.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records related to the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran is also asked to provide information about any private care providers who treated him shortly after service.