Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for diabetic neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity prior to December 4, 2009, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations of his left elbow, left cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS) with ulnar neuropathy, and a back disability. The issues include evaluation of these conditions and entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of right third and fourth metatarsal fractures do not warrant a compensable rating. The issues regarding allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, low back strain with pain, gastritis/GERD, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and left first metatarsal/toe condition are denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder has prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since 2014, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 40 percent for each leg, as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left upper and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy were denied as there is no evidence of 'complete' paralysis or 'severe' incomplete paralysis in the periods on appeal.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are associated with voiding dysfunction requiring changing of absorbent pads five times daily, warranting a rating higher than 40 percent.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for renal cell carcinoma. The evidence suggests that it may be related to hepatitis B.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's neurological disability. The Veteran asserts that his peripheral neuropathy is related to his military service and/or is secondary to his service connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and his military service, including any exposure to chemicals or jet fuel. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy warrants a higher initial rating of 40 percent, effective June 12, 2017. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and provide an addendum opinion regarding the loss of use of his right lower extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II and diabetic nephropathy, render him unemployable as of January 15, 2014. His combined disability rating meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy is granted based on the presumption of service connection for former POW status.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's colorectal cancer is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is secondary to his service-connected Parkinson's disease and type II diabetes mellitus, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his back disabilities. The neuropathy claims are also inextricably intertwined with the back claims.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were at least as likely as not incurred in service due to military sexual trauma. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for diabetic polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is found to be linked to his exposure to herbicide agents during his periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA service at CFB Gagetown. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support these claims, as the Veteran does not have diagnosed upper extremity neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy.