Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 50 percent prior to August 10, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating during this period. From August 10, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD warranted an increased rating to 70 percent. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU status.

This decision remands several issues including entitlement to a compensable rating for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as anxiety disorder. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.,The effective date for service connection for anxiety disorder is not earlier than September 12, 2011.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been rated based on their current severity. The appeals for increased ratings are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims file is incomplete and requires additional information from her service records, VA treatment records, and private medical providers. The claims are being remanded to ensure a complete record for review.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 25, 2010, for the assignment of a 30 percent rating for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities have been dismissed as there was no timely substantive appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the veteran's symptoms of tingling and numbness in his feet were diagnosed during service and have continued since then.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disorder, peripheral neuropathy of BUE and BLE, and acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and depression due to service. The Veteran will be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is caused by his service-connected residuals of hip arthroplasty, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy, a cervical spine disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to potential issues with medical opinions and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his military service at U-Tapao RTAFB.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, remains in dispute.

The Board has dismissed the claims for erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as they have been fully granted in a previous rating decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of hysterectomy, allergies (other than allergic rhinitis), chronic headaches, and peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities was denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims on a direct basis.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate disorder, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, and acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a causal relationship to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to April 26, 2010 due to insufficient evidence showing he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment solely as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened claims for service connection for a left hip condition, tinnitus, and cold injury residuals of the upper extremities. Service connection is granted for tinnitus but denied for a right hip condition and cold injury residuals of the upper extremities. The claim for increased rating for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities remains pending.

The Veteran's low back disability is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and inadequate VA examination.,The Veteran's sinusitis is remanded as there are no records of treatment during service, but the Board finds a need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's depression is granted service connection. Service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neurological disorders are denied, but the Veteran was granted service connection for radiculopathy in both lower extremities. Effective dates for service connection were established for lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.