Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his diabetes mellitus and related conditions, including diabetic neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome, have been denied. The claim for service connection for a colon condition has been reopened but remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is rated at 30 percent, and his left upper extremity is rated at 20 percent. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to unclear severity determination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and the evidence demonstrates that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's upper and lower peripheral neuropathy and PTSD are more disabling than their current evaluations reflect.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including amputation above the right knee and posttraumatic stress disorder, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on this need.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and rheumatoid arthritis due to inextricably intertwined issues. The case is returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral radiculopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity, is rated at 40 percent since September 12, 2013. The same rating applies to the left lower extremity from May 5, 2011 to September 4, 2013, and then again from September 5, 2013.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for reopening a claim of service connection for a neck disability, as well as for ratings in excess of 40 percent for a low back disability and right foot cold injury residuals, and for ratings in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including diabetes, neuropathy of the feet, hypertension, and a left eye disability. The Veteran asserts these conditions are related to exposure to herbicides or asbestos during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not manifest within a year of discharge and there was no evidence linking his current condition to his in-service jungle rot injury. The Board also found insufficient evidence to link the Veteran's kidney cysts to his period of service.,There is no direct or presumptive service connection for peripheral neuropathy or kidney cysts.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral leg disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation for either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right median nerve neuropathy warrants a 30 percent disability rating, effective from the date of his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the period from December 4, 2014 to present.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The remaining claims are not currently before the Board.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. His neuropathy of the right and left feet are rated at 20% and 10%, respectively, while his bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10%. The Veteran's PTSD with depressive symptoms continues to be rated at 30%. TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant in a statement dated March 9, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain outstanding medical records and for new examination reports.