Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities is currently rated at 40 percent, but no higher, for the entire appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right hand disability or left hand disability related to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current joint disorder or inflammatory polyneuropathy that is related to his military service, including exposure to asbestos and mercury. The evidence shows no chronic symptoms during service and the passage of time between separation from service and the onset of symptoms.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU and separate disability ratings of 20 percent for diabetic sensory neuropathy affecting the femoral nerves in each leg, effective from May 14, 2014. The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus requires insulin and a restricted diet or oral hypoglycemic agents but his physicians have not regulated his activities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new medical examination. The issues of entitlement to an increased evaluation for left second and third trigeminal sensory neuropathy and service connection for gastrointestinal disabilities are also being addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including PTSD, headaches, diabetes mellitus type 2, tinnitus, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy) preclude the Veteran from caring for some of his daily personal needs such as taking his medications, bathing, and preparing his meals without the regular assistance of another person and he needed assistance on a regular basis to protect him from the hazards and dangers in the daily environment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been reopened. However, his bilateral hearing loss disability is not considered a VA compensation disability due to normal hearing in both ears. The claims of service connection for heart disorder, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, and prostate disorder are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. The rating reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also granted.

The Veteran's fiber neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is found to be a result of active service, specifically cold exposure during his time in Korea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and there is no evidence that he was exposed to herbicides during service. Therefore, his claim for service connection must be denied.

The Veteran's neuropathy of left sciatic nerve is most nearly approximated by moderate incomplete paralysis, warranting a 20 percent rating prior to April 13, 2017 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with associated conditions do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is found to be related to his military service.,His peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is determined to be caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,His erectile dysfunction is also found to be caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for numbness, radiculopathy, and/or neuropathy in both legs; and higher disability ratings for lumbar myositis, ulcerative colitis, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for a low back disorder and dismissed the request for an earlier effective date for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.,There is no evidence of record prior to April 30, 2013, indicating any intent by the Veteran to apply for increased ratings or SMC.

The Veteran is granted separate compensable ratings of 10 percent for neuropathy of the left lower extremity and a painful left ankle scar, both for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is equivalent to loss of use of both feet, allowing him to be eligible for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issues of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and colon disorder. The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and/or depressive disorder). The Board also granted a 20 percent rating for each lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.