Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and left leg neuropathy have been rated based on their current severity. The Veteran is granted increased ratings for his diabetes mellitus (to 40%) and left leg neuropathy (to 20%), effective December 24, 2013, and December 3, 2014 respectively. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease remains at a 30% rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities is not related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature of his left lower extremity neurological disability and its impact on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has been granted increased ratings of 40 percent each effective May 6, 2013. The conditions are rated based on their impact on motor function and sensory disturbances.

The Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active duty service or exposure to herbicides.,There is no evidence of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, resolving the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations and medical opinions in connection with his claims.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, hearing loss, and tinnitus are not related to service or herbicide exposure. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for increased ratings for various conditions and disabilities. The Board is dismissing the appeals as moot.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is rated 10 percent prior to February 23, 2015 and 20 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is rated 10 percent prior to February 23, 2015 and 20 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is rated at its maximum allowable under VA regulations, and thus no higher rating can be assigned. The claims for service connection for hearing loss, DM, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and nonservice-connected pension benefits have been denied as there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease (CAD), right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, vision loss (diabetic retinopathy), and a skin disability (dermatitis).

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is found to be caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disabilities are less likely than not caused by a back injury during military service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his attorney prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus was not exposed to herbicides. The claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between diabetes mellitus or peripheral neuropathy and service.

The Veteran is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected status post right popliteal artery release, sensory neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and a right lower calf scar. The appeals were based on residuals of the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran does not have a prostate disability, and his current enlarged prostate condition did not manifest until after separation from service. Peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was not diagnosed or noted in service records.