Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran is granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, with diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral hands and feet, essential hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease, as due to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was granted service connection. The appeals for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities, and sleep apnea were withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for addendum opinions regarding the etiology of his psychiatric and left knee disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have evidence of exposure to herbicides or asbestos during service, and there is no competent medical evidence linking his current respiratory disorder (COPD) or peripheral neuropathy to service. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to April 11, 2014. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have consistently precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since February 2000, with the exception of a brief period in June 2010 to May 2012 when he was employed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and lower extremities did not manifest within one year after discharge from active service, and is not causally or etiologically related to his military service, including herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 20, 2009 for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorder is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding that VA should have broadly interpreted her PTSD claim.,The Veteran's neuropathy of the lower extremities warrants a rating of 20 percent based on moderate incomplete paralysis in both legs.,For the low back disorder, the Veteran's symptoms warrant an evaluation of 40 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right foot peripheral neuropathy results in loss of use of his right foot, and therefore grants special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(k).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left and right hand peripheral neuropathy, cold injury residuals of the lower extremities, tinnitus, and hearing loss, meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU rating due to their combined effect on his ability to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for service-connected chronic headaches, residuals of prostate cancer, and radiation proctitis are denied. The claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was granted a higher disability rating of 40 percent effective February 9, 2010. The appeal is for an increased rating and the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn with respect to the issues of entitlement to service connection for a chronic disability manifested by chest pain, hearing loss, PTSD, and a chronic skin disability. The issue of entitlement to service connection for glucose intolerance is deferred pending completion of development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy with carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and providing an opinion regarding the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy.