Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2018

The Board denied increased ratings for type 2 diabetes mellitus, nephropathy with hypertension associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathies, and PTSD. The appellant's conditions were rated based on their current manifestations without requiring additional treatment or hospitalization.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus II with correctable early renal disease, erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy is currently rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as a heart condition and diarrhea, all related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are denied as there is no indication of an intent to file a claim prior to January 19, 2012.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent each, reflecting moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is currently rated noncompensable, but a compensable rating is not warranted as the condition is controlled by medication.,The Veteran's right thigh abscess is currently rated 10 percent and no higher. The evidence does not support an increased rating due to lack of severe pain or involvement of multiple scars.,DMII has been rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no indication of regulation of activities.,Diabetic nephropathy has been rated at 30 percent and no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of definite decrease in kidney function or hypertension with diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more.,Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated 20 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as symptoms do not approximate at least moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated 20 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as symptoms do not approximate at least moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity with femoral nerve involvement is currently rated 20 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as symptoms do not approximate at least severe incomplete paralysis.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity with femoral nerve involvement is currently rated 20 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as symptoms do not approximate at least severe incomplete paralysis.,Parkinson's disease with tremor, muscle rigidity and stiffness of the right upper extremity and diabetic peripheral neuropathy has been rated 40 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of moderate incomplete paralysis in a major extremity.,Left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is currently rated 20 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as symptoms do not approximate at least moderate incomplete paralysis.,Loss of automatic movements has been rated 10 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of more than incomplete moderate paralysis.,Loss of smell due to Parkinson's disease is currently rated noncompensable as there is no indication of complete loss of smell.,Speech changes have been rated 10 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as symptoms do not approximate severe paralysis.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and consideration of new evidence. The issues of service connection for left ulnar neuropathy and TDIU are being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy and PTSD, as well as the issue of TDIU due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The rating for diabetes mellitus type II was not granted, while the initial rating for peripheral neuropathy right upper extremity was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity as secondary to COPD/emphysema.,An effective date prior to February 16, 2011 was denied.

Service connection for a heart disability is granted.,New and material evidence has been received, allowing the reopening of claims for service connection for hypertension, peripheral vascular disease of bilateral lower extremities, skin disability, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. However, no new effective dates are granted as the evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.,Service connection for a heart disability is granted.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for the award of a schedular TDIU, and his education and occupational experience qualify him for such benefits. The nature and severity of these disabilities prevent him from performing gainful employment.,Effective August 20, 2015, ratings are granted for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (20%) and right lower extremity (20%).,Service connection is granted for PTSD with a disability rating of 70% effective March 9, 2015.,TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus type 2 with diabetic retinopathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The VA is instructed to schedule an examination for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and potential overlap with other issues. The claims include diabetes, neuropathy, gout, hypertension, right shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been remanded for further evaluation due to recent symptom worsening and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as due to Agent Orange exposure, finding no evidence of in-service manifestation or persistent symptoms.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and sciatic nerve and sacroiliac joint disorders, but remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected residuals of right thumb injury, to include numbness associated with strain of lateral ligament of metacarpophalangeal joint of the right thumb is granted. The effective date is September 25, 2006.,The Veteran’s need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities is established, resulting in a grant of SMC on that basis. The effective date is also September 25, 2006.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange. The claims are inextricably intertwined with a claim for diabetes mellitus, type II.