Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral upper extremities and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left ulnar neuropathy and thus, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board found no service connection warranted for a left toe/foot disability secondary to the Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy. The Board also denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disabilities of the left toe and ankle due to VA procedures, finding that the procedures were appropriate and did not cause any additional disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities was rated as 10 percent prior to November 15, 2014, and increased to 20 percent from that date.,The Veteran's symptoms included pain, decreased sensation, and functional impairment.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is causally related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for TBI, BPV with chronic labyrinthitis, and peripheral neuropathy of the feet are granted. The Veteran is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both feet and need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 16, 2013 for the grant of SMC based on aid and attendance is granted. The criteria are met beginning January 23, 2004 for SMC due to his service-connected liver disability and other disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent combined.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right sural sensory neuropathy.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower left and right extremities is currently rated at 10 percent. The May 2014 VA examination found mild intermittent pain, paresthesias, and numbness in both legs, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran has service-connected disabilities including bilateral hearing loss, bowel perforation status post right hemicolectomy, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus type II, and status post incisional ventral hernia repair. The VA examiner found that these conditions do not preclude the Veteran from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in service or a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's HIV and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded for additional development as the previous VA examination reports were incomplete.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, bilateral foot drop, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are not proximately due to or caused by her service-connected left shoulder disability. As such, she is denied service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for neuropathy was denied as he failed to report for a required VA examination.

The Veteran's arthrolumbosacral strain and associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated, with an increased rating of 40 percent granted for the thoracolumbar spine disability. Separate ratings of 20 percent each were granted for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is currently rated as 10 percent for each affected limb, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The evidence shows mild symptoms without significant motor or sensory impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and TDIU are still pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, including as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and exposure to Agent Orange, is denied.

The Veteran's application for TDIU was received on May 4, 2010. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to December 30, 2013 is dismissed as moot.