Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has granted initial ratings of 40 percent for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities associated with service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, was denied. The Board found that he does not have a current diagnosis or persistent/recurrent symptoms of such disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were not shown to be related to service, including exposure to herbicides. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and associated complications, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person to manage his insulin pump and administer insulin.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. The Board also found that the Veteran had qualifying service in Vietnam for the purpose of the herbicide presumption, and thus granted service connection for his type II diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis. However, further development is needed as neuropathy of upper and lower extremities are still under consideration.

The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy in the median nerve of the right upper extremity has resulted in a 10 percent rating prior to December 13, 2004, and a 30 percent rating thereafter.,The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy in the median nerve of the left upper extremity has resulted in a 10 percent rating prior to December 13, 2004, and a 20 percent rating thereafter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and arthritis, are not related to his active duty service. The evidence does not establish exposure to herbicides or any other form of in-service injury or disease that could lead to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction were denied. The initial ratings assigned upon the award of service connection have been found inadequate.

The Veteran seeks service connection for idiopathic neuropathy, which he claims is due to herbicide exposure. The Board has determined that the presumption of service connection based on herbicide exposure may apply in this case, but further medical examination and opinion are needed to determine if early-onset peripheral neuropathy qualifies as a condition covered by the presumption.

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability. The case is being returned for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for disability benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied as there is no evidence of fault on the part of VA or unforeseeable events that caused an increase in his left ulnar neuropathy.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, COPD and hypertension are presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for service connection are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities associated with diabetes mellitus are denied as there is no evidence that these conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine its etiology, as the current medical evidence does not provide a clear answer regarding whether it is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were not found to warrant higher initial ratings based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a new VA opinion on the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative joint disease and disc disease, status post microdiscectomy/fusion with left median neuropathy is not service-connected. The RO denied the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a fracture of the right acetabulum and right femoral head, as well as his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's chronic peripheral neuropathy is found to be related to his exposure to herbicides during service, specifically Agent Orange.