Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities manifests as mild symptoms, with no more than decreased sensation to light touch. The preponderance of evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Veteran's left peripheral neuropathy with sciatic nerve impairment is rated at 40 percent since November 18, 2011.,The Veteran's right peripheral neuropathy with sciatic nerve impairment is rated at 40 percent since November 18, 2011.,The Veteran's left peripheral neuropathy with femoral nerve impairment is rated at 30 percent since November 18, 2011.,The Veteran's right peripheral neuropathy with femoral nerve impairment is rated at 30 percent since November 18, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (claimed as ischemic heart disease), peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to lack of evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for burns on his hands was denied, but he was granted service connection for PTSD. The special monthly pension claim is pending as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's chronic bronchitis is found to be related to his exposure to environmental hazards during service in Southwest Asia. The claims of entitlement to an increased rating for fibromyalgia and to service connection for peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 100 percent throughout the entire period on appeal.,In light of the assignment of a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD, his claim for TDIU is rendered moot.

The Board denied service connection for nerve damage to the left side of the face, finding that there is no current diagnosis linking this condition to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was denied in September 2001 and again in January 2000. The Veteran submitted a petition to reopen her claim on August 11, 2010.,Effective August 11, 2010, the Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome have been granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for early-onset peripheral neuropathy, which he claims is due to his exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Board has ordered a remand to determine the nature and etiology of any current peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The appellant's service-connected right wrist disability may have worsened since his last VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as there is no competent evidence linking his current disability to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is caused by his exposure to herbicide agents during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions (prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II and bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy) contributed to his cause of death from colon cancer.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective from March 5, 2008 until October 31, 2016. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of January 21, 2011 for the grant of service connection for chronic kidney disease is granted. The case is remanded for further development related to increased ratings and SMC.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum rating requirements for a TDIU on a schedular basis. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of performing sedentary employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for congestive cardiomyopathy. The other issues related to exposure to herbicide agents or diabetes mellitus type II were also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the feet, PTSD and prostate cancer are all granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.