Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's coronary artery disease, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and early cataracts have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is currently rated at 40 percent, effective April 20, 2010. The evidence does not support a higher rating during this period.,Throughout the entire rating period on appeal, the evidence shows that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities more closely approximated moderate to severe incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with a TDIU being awarded due to his service-connected disabilities. The other claims remain pending and require further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right or left ankle disability, and there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for these disabilities. The same applies to his right and left lower extremity disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy was reopened due to the receipt of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the nature of his spine disability, skin conditions, and peripheral neuropathy. The examiner is asked to determine if any current disabilities are related to active service or aggravated by a congenital defect.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is denied. The appeal does not involve a determination regarding service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The Board finds that these ratings adequately reflect the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic polyneuropathy of the upper extremities and diabetic retinopathy are being remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for an additional VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of his bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as he contends that it is related to his exposure to Agent Orange in service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective March 29, 2011. The rating for frostbite of the left foot remains at 30 percent. Separate ratings were assigned for osteoarthritis of the left ankle, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and Raynaud's-like vascular disability of the left foot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure at Takhli RTAFB.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's polyneuropathy is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and Type II diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to September 18, 2001 and August 11, 1999 for the grant of service connection for left forearm neuropathy and chorioretinitis of the left eye were denied as there was no clear and unmistakable error in the rating decisions.

The Veteran's right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy with tremors and muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease is rated at 40 percent since August 3, 2011. The left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy with tremors and muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease is rated at 30 percent from March 3, 2015 onwards. The right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy with tremors and muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease is rated at 20 percent since August 3, 2011. The left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy with tremors and muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as 0 percent disabling, and the claim for a compensable evaluation has been denied.,For peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity prior to January 11, 2017, the Veteran was assigned a 10 percent rating. From that date forward, he is entitled to a 20 percent rating. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent has been denied.,For peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity prior to January 11, 2017, the Veteran was assigned a 10 percent rating. From that date forward, he is entitled to a 20 percent rating. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent has been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and PVD. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had been received to reopen a claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss but did not find it sufficient to grant the claim.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for cold injury to the bilateral feet, including neuropathy of the feet. Service connection was denied for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions listed.