Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, hypertension, rash of the face and scalp, erectile dysfunction, renal insufficiency, and sinus disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship to his active service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder numbness and stomach symptoms are part of his diabetes mellitus process, and therefore do not constitute separate compensable disabilities. For hypertension, the Board found no service connection as it is less likely than not related to service or secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not related to his military service. Service connection for the other claimed conditions is also denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated as 20 percent disabling prior to July 22, 2015 and 40 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in either period.,For peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, the Veteran's claims are pending as they have not yet been addressed.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper right extremity is rated at 40 percent, and his left upper extremity is rated at 30 percent. Both are considered moderate incomplete paralysis of the radial nerve.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been evaluated as 10 percent disabling prior to August 12, 2008. From August 12, 2008 to March 17, 2016, the Veteran is rated at 40 percent for the right lower extremity and 10 percent for the left lower extremity. On and after March 17, 2016, the Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity has been evaluated as 60 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran currently has diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy, as well as whether these conditions are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran is granted a 10 percent disability rating for peroneal nerve neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities prior to May 16, 2016. He is not entitled to a higher rating at any time during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left fingers is currently asymptomatic and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's left eye cataract results in corrected distance visual acuity of 20/70, warranting a 10% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thyroid disability, skin disability (including cold-induced urticaria, dermatitis, and heat-induced rashes), peripheral neuropathy, and fatigability treated by CPAP are all related to his service-connected thyroid disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right ulnar neuropathy and a separate compensable rating for a right median nerve disability.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity are currently rated at 50% and 40%, respectively, effective October 18, 2006. The current ratings adequately compensate for his disability.

The Board found no credible evidence of the Veteran's service in Vietnam, and thus he cannot be presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents. The VA attempted to verify his exposure in Panama but found no evidence of such exposure.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities for the period from April 15, 2007, to March 30, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 40 percent since September 10, 2009. The combined rating for his service-connected disabilities prior to May 7, 2013 was 90%, meeting the criteria for a grant of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected asbestosis and determine its impact on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. The remaining issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities; Meniere's disease; and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities. The case is now remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions, specifically whether they are related to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to his service-connected CNS disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS, diabetes mellitus type II, toxic optic neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy. The Veteran's conditions are considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, effective from April 14, 2015.