Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 is reopened and granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure in Thailand.,Service connection is also granted for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2.,Service connection is further granted for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an unspecified trauma- and stressor-related disorder, is found to be etiologically related to his active duty service.,Polyneuropathy of the right lower extremity was not manifest during service or within one year of separation; the probative, competent evidence is against a finding that it was caused by or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal regarding increased evaluations for various service-connected conditions has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity has resulted in a disability analogous to no more than moderately severe incomplete paralysis, and thus does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate disability, chronic fatigue or exhaustion with shortness of breath, neuropathy in the lower extremities, numbness of the arms and hands, headaches, acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as mood disorder secondary to general medical condition), left hand arthritis, left knee arthritis, and skin disability (chloracne).

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not shown to be related to service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board found that the condition is unrelated to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II and polyneuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified neuropathy, including as a result of herbicide exposure, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of early onset peripheral neuropathy within one year of last exposure to herbicides and concluded that the Veteran's current neuropathy is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's polyneuropathy of the lower extremities is related to his service, and thus granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's polyneuropathy of the lower extremities is related to his service, and thus granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for updated treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for initial evaluations in excess of 20 percent for diabetic peripheral vascular disease left and right lower extremities, as well as initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent prior to May 14, 2009 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for diabetic peripheral neuropathy left and right lower extremities, was dismissed due to the Veteran's request to withdraw his appeal. The effective dates for service connection were not assigned as there was no claim filed before June 9, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference Board hearing. The claims will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities was rated as 10 percent prior to June 14, 2011. Effective June 14, 2011, his disability rating for both legs was increased to 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to January 17, 2008 for service connection of ischemic heart disease was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not file a formal or informal claim for this condition before January 17, 2008.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new VA opinion to address the etiology of the Veteran's plantar digital neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurological disorder, including peripheral neuropathy and multiple sclerosis, due to herbicide exposure has been dismissed as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for these conditions during the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.