Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities have been granted service connection with effective dates prior to February 7, 2011.

The Veteran's DM and PN of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent each, with no higher ratings warranted due to lack of insulin use or restriction of activities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities due to recent testimony indicating current symptoms, but further examination is needed to assess their severity.

The Veteran's right eye condition, diagnosed as nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes. Effective January 22, 2008, the Veteran's service connection for diabetes and its associated peripheral neuropathies are granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is being remanded due to conflicting evidence and missing VA medical records. The AOJ will obtain relevant VA medical records, schedule a VA examination, and determine if the Veteran has current peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and whether it is related to his diabetes or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The appellant is at least as likely as not in need of aid and attendance based on physical incapacity, which requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect the claimant from hazards or dangers incident to her daily environment. The Board finds that she needs regular aid and assistance due to medical conditions such as dizziness, imbalance, angina, fatigue, dyspnea, pain, numbness, and falls.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records related to the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran is also asked to provide information about any private care providers who treated him shortly after service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cold injury residuals and peripheral neuropathy, make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral eye disability, renal dysfunction, urinary incontinence, heart disability, fecal incontinence, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, low back disability, cervical spine disability, bilateral knee disabilities, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims have been denied.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy is at least in equipoise with the opinion that it is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and associated peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The case must be remanded to obtain clarification on whether he has a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II, and to determine if his peripheral neuropathy is related to his military service or another condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of multiple theories of entitlement, including secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes and associated neuropathy of the upper extremities have been granted increased ratings, with a maximum rating of 30 percent for diabetic neuropathy of the right (major) upper extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to his death. The Board finds that the nonservice-connected conditions (COPD and colostomy) were more significant in preventing employment.