Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.,New evidence received since the May 2013 rating decision supports the Veteran's claim, establishing that his erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy are related to his diabetes.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, and bilateral feet small fiber neuropathy. The Veteran's claims for a bilateral upper arm condition (to include fatigue), bilateral wrist nerve damage, bilateral elbow nerve damage, and bilateral leg condition (to include fatigue) are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service or any other recognized basis.

The Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The claim for hearing loss and tinnitus was dismissed.

Service connection for a right knee disability and hypertension (HTN) has been granted. The Veteran's radial neuropathy of the right wrist is now rated with an effective date prior to May 12, 2011.,The rating in excess of 30 percent for the right shoulder disability and the rating in excess of 10 percent for the right wrist disability are both remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is reopened, and the issues of service connection for a kidney disorder, peripheral neuropathy (bilateral upper extremities), right lower extremity, left lower extremity are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's femoral nerve damage, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal neuropathy, gastroparesis, and hernia are deemed to be a result of the December 2008 VA artery angiogram. The Board found that VA did not exercise reasonable care or obtain informed consent for this procedure.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for left foot neuropathy is denied as it does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,An initial compensable evaluation for non-painful residual scars of the left lower extremity, right lower leg and foot, and chest is denied. The Veteran already has a rating for painful scars on his right lower leg and foot and left foot.,The Veteran's initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for painful residual scars of the left lower extremity and right lower leg and foot is denied. There are no indications that he meets the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.,An evaluation in excess of 20 percent for posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of VA benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity diabetic neuropathy and cervical radiculopathy, but denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine if the Veteran has a current diagnosis of bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and whether it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, glaucoma, and erectile dysfunction due to service in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War. The Veteran's exposure to environmental hazards is a key factor in these cases.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted as secondary to his service-connected status post partial thyroidectomy.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, left lower extremity, right upper extremity, and left upper extremity are all granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,The Veteran's cervical carpal tunnel syndrome is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, left lower extremity radiculopathy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and residuals of a chemical burn and abrasion. Service connection for headaches was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted a 40% rating for his cervical spine disability, but the claim for an increased rating is still pending. Service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hand peripheral neuropathy has been dismissed.,PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, with a total disability rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29 from November 3, 2010 to December 31, 2010; March 20, 2012 to May 31, 2012; and May 24, 2013 to June 30, 2013. The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is denied.,PTSD was rated at 70 percent prior to September 3, 2014, with the right foot peripheral neuropathy rated at 10 percent and left foot peripheral neuropathy rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are now rated at 20 percent after September 3, 2014.,The Veteran's TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The right ear hearing loss claim is reopened, but further examination is needed to determine if it is related to service. Similar considerations apply to the right shoulder and left knee issues.

The Board has granted service connection for cold injury residuals and peripheral neuropathy, all claimed as cold injuries sustained during service. The Veteran's current symptoms are linked to his in-service frostbite injuries.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the feet, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and a respiratory disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity as a result of herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, neuropathy, left eye disability, and cerebrovascular accident due to new evidence not having been reviewed by the AOJ.