Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the right knee disability, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hearing loss disability claims.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper right extremity, lower right and left extremities are granted.

The Veteran's back disability has been rated at 20 percent since March 18, 2015 and increased to 40 percent from November 12, 2015 to November 30, 2016. The left leg peripheral neuropathy was initially rated at 30 percent in January 2017.,The Veteran's back disability is currently rated as 40 percent disabling.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity neuropathy have been rated based on their service-connected nature. The Board found that the current ratings are appropriate as there is no evidence of ankylosis or unfavorable ankylosis, and the Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or Diagnostic Code 8526.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, verifying herbicide exposure, and considering new information provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy. The case has been remanded to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicides during his service aboard the USS Kawishiwi.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been rated at 20 percent since September 4, 2008. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted as of June 16, 2011 for both legs.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a psychiatric examination, and verifying herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Veteran's OSA is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service and is not related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.,Hypertension was not shown to be present within one year of separation from service, and the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis that meets the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(1).,Peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service and is not related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.,ED was not shown to be present within one year of separation from service, and the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis that meets the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(1).,CFS is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service or to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year after separation from service, and there are no objective indications of qualifying chronic disability.,Fibromyalgia is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service and is not related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is currently rated at 30 percent from June 11, 2010. The current ratings do not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, hypertension, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, hepatitis A, and erectile dysfunction. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service connection claims for PTSD, hearing loss, and arthritis are not supported by the provided information. The Veteran has been granted new evidence to reopen his claim for fibromyalgia, but no rating assigned due to lack of supporting documentation or evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has been rated based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment.,Since July 25, 2011, the Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both legs is now rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for a DRO hearing and further development. The issues include increased ratings for various conditions, as well as seeking an earlier effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes-related neuropathy. The Veteran needs to undergo VA examination by a psychiatrist to assess his functional effects on employment from these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Oakland RO. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, were denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions in the medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent VA treatment records and arranging for new examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, has been rated as 20 percent disabling since November 22, 2010. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is also service-connected secondary to his diabetes.,Service connection for colon cancer was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, and he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his numerous service-connected disabilities.