Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need to verify herbicide exposure in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right leg neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied by the Board. The Veteran presented with mild incomplete paralysis and no evidence of marked muscular atrophy.

The Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is found to be proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other factors linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, chloracne, and coral burns with infection to the elbows. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides or other chemical agents.

The Board has determined that the service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which is secondary to frostbite and rated as 20 percent disabling in each extremity, contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death. As such, the claim for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's small fiber neuropathy, claimed as peripheral neuropathy, is found to be aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine and left peroneal nerve neuropathy has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is currently rated at 20 percent, effective June 13, 2005. For the period prior to November 20, 2015, he was granted a separate rating of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for injury to Muscle Group (MG) VI as a residual of a penetrating left elbow wound is denied because the symptomatology for service-connected left ulnar neuropathy as a residual of a penetrating left elbow wound contemplates the same symptoms as MG VI.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is not related to service, including as due to herbicide exposure or diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have service in Vietnam and, therefore, is not entitled to presumptive service connection for any conditions based on herbicide exposure. The claims of service connection for various disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal involves the increased rating claims for bilateral feet peripheral neuropathy, residuals of cold injury. The Board has remanded to obtain a VA examination and determine if separate ratings are warranted for any complications related to the service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for earlier effective date and increased rating for right leg sciatic sensory neuropathy with right ankle motor weakness, as well as service connection for bilateral hip and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including PTSD and its related conditions. The Board has determined that a hearing is needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, sciatic nerve, is currently rated at 40 percent each. The Board finds that a higher rating is warranted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other conditions do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his overall disability picture, which includes multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted service connection. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of eczema and peripheral neuropathy, but does not have a current right testicle condition or a current skin condition (eczema) as claimed.