Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been denied. The prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction has already received the maximum schedular rating, and diabetes is rated at 20 percent due to its current manifestations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM), coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and hypertension are all attributable to service. The conditions were presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hip disorder, skin disorder, and right shoulder disorder. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of these conditions and that they were not related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral posterior tibial neuritis and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed within one year of service, meeting presumptive criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of cold injury/neuropathy of bilateral feet have been granted, with a rating of 10%.,Prior to May 15, 2015, the Veteran was denied a compensable disability evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss. From May 15, 2015, he is now rated at 10% for this condition.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left lower extremity neurological impairment he contends that he suffered as a result of a left hip replacement on November 29, 2005 at the VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina.

The Veteran received a 100% rating for dysthymia and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity. The RO awarded special monthly compensation based on these conditions, resulting in attorney fees being withheld from past-due benefits.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted, with the exception of a lung disability and sleep apnea. Service connection is established for diverticulitis, post-operative trunk scar, sigmoid colon resection, colostomy, atrial fibrillation, adjustment disorder, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy as aggravated or incurred during service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to cold weather exposure during service, and thus the Veteran's claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for left CTS with a 10 percent rating effective March 11, 2014.

The Board has decided the case should be remanded for further development, including a medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disability.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetic upper extremity neuropathy and denied service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is not shown to have been manifested by limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less or ankylosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper and lower extremities, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II (DM II), is being remanded due to inadequate development. The case will be reviewed again with a new examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of cervical radiculopathy, lumbar radiculopathy, neuropathy of the lower extremities, or neuropathy of the upper extremities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, presumed due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), was denied as there is no evidence of early onset peripheral neuropathy within one year after his last exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found that the Veteran did not have current peripheral neuropathy and that it is less likely than not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Raynaud's phenomenon was denied as the earliest date of receipt of a claim is January 22, 2009.,For frostbite residuals of each foot, the current rating of 10 percent remains unchanged.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 17, 2009 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.