Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to technical issues with the November 2015 Board videoconference hearing. The case will be scheduled for a new Board videoconference hearing at the appropriate RO.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that his impairment was analogous to forward flexion greater than 15 degrees without spinal ankylosis or prescribed bed rest.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and affording the Veteran an opportunity to submit evidence. The claim will be adjudicated in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of his upper extremities, but rather carpal tunnel syndrome. The claim for service connection is denied as there is no evidence to support a finding of diabetic neuropathy or any other condition causing the symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a medical examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 3, 2010. The claims for service connection for glaucoma and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to March 7, 2011, and a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is rated at 20 percent, and the reduction of his diabetic retinopathy rating from 10% to noncompensable effective November 9, 2009 was proper. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is rated as 10%, and his diabetic nephropathy associated with diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction prior to January 28, 2015 is rated at 60%. His peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity are each rated at 10%. The Veteran's hypertension is not separately service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal via a March 2016 written statement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's polyneuropathy of the lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The Board also found that it is less likely than not related to his service-connected right and/or left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical evidence and to schedule the appellant for an appropriate VA aid and attendance or housebound examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted at 40 percent each, effective August 26, 2008. The earlier effective date of September 15, 2005 has also been established for the award of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 25, 2013. The RO granted a higher rating for PTSD and denied service connection for other conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability of left or right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and vocational rehabilitation information. The Board will also schedule a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral foot condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral ankles or neuropathy/radiculopathy affecting his upper and lower extremities, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's ilioinguinal neuropathy has been rated at 10 percent since the initial rating period, which is the maximum available under VA regulations. The claim for increased ratings for genitourinary symptoms as a residual of the excision of a ruptured varicocele remains pending.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and diabetes mellitus, type II have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the maximum available rating of 50 percent since February 24, 2010. The evaluations for peripheral neuropathy and bilateral hearing loss have not met the criteria for higher ratings.