Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's residuals of the left shoulder dislocation are rated as 40 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5200.,Prior to May 18, 2018, the Veteran’s left ulnar neuropathy was rated at 30 percent. From May 18, 2018 onwards, her rating for this condition is unchanged.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is remanded due to missing VA treatment records and lack of response from the Veteran regarding private medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining pre-service medical records and providing an opinion on the etiology of a left shoulder disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability and remanded the issues of service connection for gastritis, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, low back disability, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, ischemic heart disease, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and retinopathy have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection has not been granted for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence, including increased ratings for some disabilities and service connection awards.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for pes cavus, tinnitus, increased ratings for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, and issues related to bilateral hearing loss disability, peripheral neuropathy, gout with leg cramps and swollen joints. The appeal regarding service connection for degenerative disc disease (claimed as a back condition) is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, soft tissue sarcoma of the right shoulder, benign skin growths (claimed as a skin ulcer) of the right scapula, kidney cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's left-hand injury is characterized by proximal interphalangeal joint ankylosis in extension, with no evidence of arthritis. The peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is characterized as moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant a higher rating for his left hand injury or peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the effective date for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of left inguinal herniorrhaphy prior to July 28, 2016 is denied.,A higher rating for residuals of left inguinal herniorrhaphy as of July 28, 2016, is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction were denied as the evidence did not establish a link to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for early onset peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to exposure to herbicide agents in service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is rated at 20 percent after subtracting the pre-aggravation rate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, left and right upper extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, and for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran was not afforded VA examinations for these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back disability, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy due to a lack of relevant medical records from prior to 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was reopened and granted. Service connection was also granted for bilateral hand neuropathy, but the issue of service connection due to an undiagnosed illness is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy, bilateral pseudophakia, hypertension, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and a kidney condition are all granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

A rating of 20 percent for posterior tibial insufficiency, left ankle is granted. Service connection for cervical spine radiculopathy, idiopathic peripheral neuropathy of the left ankle, and insomnia are remanded.