Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension and peripheral neuropathy, are pending. The claim for left ear hearing loss is denied. Service connection for high cholesterol is not warranted as it does not constitute a recognized disability.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, duodenal ulcer, ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have been denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claims of hypertension and duodenal ulcer, but not for ischemic heart disease. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities is rated at 40 percent, effective December 12, 2014.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD, which prevents him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for a neurological disability of the right lower extremity, manifested by mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic and external popliteal nerves, related to service-connected lumbar spine disorder. The issue of service connection for upper extremities other than cervical radiculopathy remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, rhabdomyolysis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on an in-service sexual assault. The left wrist disability and residuals of a left arm laceration with left ulnar neuropathy were not addressed due to the remand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. The examiner found that the onset of symptoms predates the diagnosis of diabetes and other factors such as alcohol use/abuse, vitamin D & B-12 deficiencies, and myasthenia gravis could cause similar neurological symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer, erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are all granted. However, there is no current diagnosis or residuals of skin cancer, and the Board finds that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy are related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for additional special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) and 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) was denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o).

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of neuropathy in his left upper and lower extremities, or any disability manifested by numbness and tingling in those areas. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new VA treatment records received after the March 2015 supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are being remanded due to outstanding treatment records and a need for a new VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses of peripheral neuropathy are not related to his active military service, including exposure to herbicides. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is more likely due to alcohol use and vitamin B12 deficiency.

The Veteran's right lower extremity neuropathy is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 8520. The appeal for higher ratings has been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral radiculopathy and neuropathy of the lower extremities, both secondary to his service-connected fibromyositis of the lumbar paravertebral muscles.

The Veteran's atherosclerosis of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is due to his service-connected ischemic heart disease. The Veteran has metatarsalgia of the right foot, but no other diagnosed foot condition. His acquired psychiatric disability (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression) and kidney disease are not related to his active service or any service-connected conditions.