Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

PTSD is rated at 70 percent from January 27, 2015 to April 19, 2018. Other service-connected disabilities are not currently on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of type II diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been dismissed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not manifested during service or in the first postservice year, and is not shown to be etiologically related to his service. The Board has remanded for further development regarding Parkinson’s disease, loss of use of both feet, loss of use of left hand, peripheral neuropathy, TDIU rating, and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's CIDP of the right and left radial nerves is currently rated at 30 percent, which represents moderate incomplete paralysis. The Board found that this rating was appropriate based on the medical evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for a neurological disorder of the left lower extremity, increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and neuropathy sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's insomnia disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, right upper extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for various conditions, including residuals of a fracture of the left hand, erectile dysfunction, DM, and peripheral neuropathy, is being remanded due to unresolved issues.,DM remains rated at 20 percent from June 24, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of current disabilities meeting VA's definition. Service connection was granted for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type 2 as due to exposure to herbicides.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing documentation and potential Vietnam exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for shrapnel scars to the left knee and foot is dismissed.,Service connection was denied for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II or PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, neuropathy of the deep peroneal nerve associated with residuals of metatarsal fracture of the left foot, and residuals of a metatarsal fracture of the left foot disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for peripheral neuropathy of all extremities is denied because the condition was granted on a secondary basis to his diabetes, which has an effective date of April 15, 2005.

The Board has found that an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a right wrist disability is not warranted. The Veteran's claim to reopen the previously denied claim was received by VA on December 23, 2010, and so this decision does not address his claim for left ulnar neuropathy.

The Board denied an increased rating for scars of the right forearm and hand, as there was no indication that the Veteran had three or four scars or that his scars were both painful and unstable.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy and denied service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's skin cancer affecting the head, face, and upper body is granted service connection. The appeal for right leg peripheral neuropathy is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to conflicting medical evidence and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service, but his peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities is aggravated by his diabetes mellitus. His bilateral ear injury claim has no current evidence of a disability other than hearing loss and tinnitus. His chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with emphysema is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has been reopened and granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy should be remanded due to a lack of VA examination.