Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's left-hand (non-dominant) dorso-ulnar sensory cutaneous neuropathy and shell fragment wound of the left hand, wrist, and forearm Muscle Group IX and VIII have been granted increased ratings. The Veteran is now rated at 30 percent for his left-hand (non-dominant) condition and 20 percent for his shell fragment wound.

The Board finds that the Veteran meets the minimum schedular requirements for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities, and after resolving reasonable doubt in his favor, he is found unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a rating higher than 50 percent, and she was also granted an increased rating for her low back condition. The cervical spine condition and right median nerve neuropathy were not service-connected.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an effective date prior to June 9, 2009, for the service-connected disabilities listed on the title page. The Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions of peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction are not related to his active service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents or as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. As such, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not support regulation of activities due to diabetes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II or peripheral neuropathy. The Board also found no evidence of Agent Orange exposure contributing to the development of hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's left leg neuropathy and its relationship to service or other conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury, thoracic spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and mild ectasia of the ascending aorta. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has decided to remand this case for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity.

The Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities involving the sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent for the period since January 30, 2009.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy affecting the arms and legs with loss of equilibrium and Dupuytren's contracture, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence received since January 2011 did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, by themselves or in concert, have not been sufficient at any time during the period of the claim to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and additional development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Board finds that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus, right leg amputation, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board finds that a higher evaluation is warranted for both conditions, with ratings of 60 percent for the period from February 23, 2008 to March 9, 2009, and 40 percent for the period beginning on March 9, 2009.

The Veteran's lymphedema and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied as not related to service or a service-connected disability. The Board found that his current ratings for peripheral neuropathy are appropriate.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder), peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, and hypertension, all related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.