Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities has been rated based on its severity, with increased ratings granted for certain periods. The TDIU was also granted effective May 31, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to meet the criteria for a rating of 80 percent under Diagnostic Code 8520, which pertains to paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The maximum available benefit has therefore been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and clarifying whether there are available VA treatment records. The appellant's claims for service connection on appeal will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and SMC based on housebound status. The decision also noted that there was no confirmed diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for higher ratings were not substantiated by the evidence of record. The Veteran's headaches, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and insomnia were all rated appropriately based on their severity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including primarily his major depression, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus did not require insulin and a restricted diet prior to July 14, 2015. He has not required more than two doses of insulin per day or a restricted diet resulting in episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization.,Prior to April 13, 2007, the Veteran's disability picture relative to his diabetes did not include peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. There was no evidence of weakness or impaired reflexes.,From April 13, 2007 to June 18, 2009, the Veteran's disability picture relative to his diabetes consisted of numbness in his toes which would come and go and occasional leg pain, with nothing rising to the level of mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,From June 18, 2009 to September 20, 2012, the Veteran's disability picture relative to his diabetes consisted of peripheral neuropathy that was no more than mild in each leg. After September 20, 2012, the Veteran's disability picture relative to his diabetes consisted of moderate peripheral neuropathy in each leg.,The Veteran's hypertension has not resulted in blood pressure readings predominantly higher than 160 systolic or 100 diastolic.,The Veteran's service-connected erectile dysfunction does not include actual or approximated deformity of the penis or testicles.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and nodules on lungs, finding no evidence of a causal relationship to his active service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was withdrawn prior to decision.

The Veteran's service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was granted effective from August 20, 2009. The case is now before the Board with an earlier effective date established and initial ratings assigned.

The Veteran's TBI residuals have been rated at 10 percent since November 29, 2010. The rating was increased to 40 percent effective May 11, 2011 and then decreased back to 10 percent effective June 16, 2016.

The Board has denied service connection for dermatitis herpetiformis, peripheral neuropathy (originally claimed as fibromyalgia), and ventricular tachycardia. The Veteran's claim of service connection for these conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded to obtain an appropriate examination to determine whether any gastrointestinal disorders are related to active service or due to VA treatment.,The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded to obtain an appropriate examination to determine whether the Veteran has a psychiatric disorder that began during or was caused by his military service, and if so, whether it is secondary to other conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded to obtain an appropriate examination to determine whether any gastrointestinal disorders are related to active service or due to VA treatment.,The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded to obtain an appropriate examination to determine the nature and etiology of his dermatological or allergic disorder.,The Veteran's claim for compensation based on 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is being remanded to obtain clarification regarding whether his chronic pancreatitis was due to negligence from VA treatment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including hypertension, bilateral lower and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left jaw disability, head disability, right leg disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and back disability, were denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service onset. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection based on direct service incurrence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a neurological disorder of the right and left lower extremities, to include peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is denied as there is no evidence that his current condition is related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand, and thus could not establish a presumption of such exposure. The preponderance of evidence is against finding any of the claimed conditions are related to his military service.

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Effective August 15, 2013, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent due to forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy (radiculopathy), and bilateral hip arthritis have been evaluated based on their respective diagnostic codes. The claims for higher ratings are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that the conditions more nearly approximate the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate examination.