Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and therefore denied service connection for these conditions. The claim for diabetes mellitus is also denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and posttraumatic stress disorder, have rendered him unable to use his lower extremities without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. The RO is directed to review the evidence and determine if he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and neuropathy in the feet, legs, and back as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities were denied. His bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable, diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent, and both peripheral neuropathy conditions were also rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of recent VA examination and incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the right lower extremity secondary to his service-connected low back disability was granted. The issue of increased ratings for residuals of prostate cancer remains in appellate status.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development and examination of the Veteran's service-connected IVDS disability, including range of motion testing. The case will be returned to the RO for readjudication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a groin injury was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of a groin disability separate from his already service-connected gunshot wound residuals and urethral stricture disease. For the period beginning October 22, 2013, the Veteran received the highest schedular rating available for his residuals of a gunshot wound to the right lower abdomen with injury to Muscle Group XIX.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding reinstatement of service connection for pedal peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities did not manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year after his last presumed in-service exposure, and is otherwise unrelated to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, effective February 12, 2008. The Veteran does not have moderate or worse incomplete paralysis of the right or left peroneal nerves, nor does she have peripheral neuropathy of the LUE that warrants a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral peroneal nerve impairment are not currently service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease are presumptively service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand. The bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is not addressed as it was not part of the original appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for PTSD, leaving the issues of peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus contributed substantially or materially to cause his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The issue of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as the Appellant withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's GAD has been granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective January 29, 2014. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and residuals of prostate cancer have been established as a result of herbicide exposure in service. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is also established as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claims, and the diagnoses of the claimed conditions were not established during or related to active service.,Service connection was also denied for vertigo, chloracne, a disorder manifested by generalized sores, color blindness, respiratory disorders (shortness of breath), and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA social and industrial survey to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been rated based on their severity, with no higher ratings granted. The current effective dates for service connection remain August 6, 2014.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to service, including exposure to herbicides. Service connection is denied.