Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was not found to be related to service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,Onychomycosis, onychocryptosis, and onychodystrophy were determined to be due to the service-connected tinea pedis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is not related to service and denied his claim. The left eye disability claim was remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II is related to his current diagnoses of diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and review, including obtaining VA treatment records and an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, which he claims is due to exposure to herbicide agents during his military service. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board found no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and ischemic heart disease based on such exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 23, 2007.

The Veteran seeks service connection for inclusion body myositis, which he contends was caused by exposure to extreme cold and its manifestations of peripheral neuropathy and burning sensations/numbness. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for additional development regarding the etiology of the condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including medications prescribed for such disabilities, have caused or aggravated his hypertension. As a result, the Board finds that he is entitled to SMC based on aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has found service connection for diabetes mellitus type two and peripheral neuropathies of the right and left lower extremities. The case is REMANDED to determine if the Veteran suffers from ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran is granted a 20 percent evaluation for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity, as well as a 40 percent evaluation for diabetes mellitus with hypertension.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and kidney stones, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand and insufficient medical evidence to support a nexus between current disabilities and service.

The Board found that sensory polyneuropathy of the right upper extremity and bilateral lower extremities were not incurred or aggravated by active military service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service is conceded.

The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective April 2, 2016. The left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy continues to be rated at 20 percent.

The Board found no direct service connection for the low back disability and denied secondary service connection for neurological disabilities of the bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities is not related to his service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for this condition is therefore denied.,Service connection for skin cancer cannot be established as there was no evidence provided in support of a link between the condition and service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, left leg and foot disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, residuals of a left shoulder injury, and migraines. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine disability, and diabetes mellitus. The Board also found that his right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy do not warrant an increased rating.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral artery disease were also denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis in the left wrist, no manifestations of hypertension or diabetes to a degree of 10 percent within one year post-service, and insufficient continuity of symptoms since service for these conditions. The low back disability was not shown in service, did not manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year from separation, and is not otherwise related to service. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and heart condition claims were denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses.