Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's current upper extremity disability is not related to service, including exposure to cold and damp conditions in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the legs are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could issue a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that it is due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The condition was not present during service but became manifest within one year of presumed exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and therefore, service connection is denied for all issues.

The Veteran's kidney disease, diabetes, and neuropathy conditions are service-connected. The rating for diabetes is granted at the 20% level, while ratings for other conditions remain at their current levels.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed and that VA examinations should be provided to address the Veteran's skin disorders, lipoma disorder, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been evaluated based on their current manifestations, with no higher ratings warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 4, 2006.,The Veteran's right ulnar neuropathy disability was initially rated as 0 percent and increased to 10 percent effective February 8, 2007. It was then increased to 10 percent effective February 14, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the current severity of his psychiatric disorder and its effect on his social and occupational functioning, as well as a VA peripheral nerve examination to determine whether any neurological disability is related to service or to his already service-connected lumbar spine, dorsal spine, and/or diabetes mellitus disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection, including those involving diabetes mellitus type II, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, a skin rash, bilateral hearing loss, depression disorder, and anxiety.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity with Dupuytren's contractures (minor) is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity with Dupuytren's contractures (major) is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, prostate disorder, skin disorder, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, fibromyalgia, ischemic heart disease, and sleep disorder. The claims are based on direct service connection rather than a presumption or exposure basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board videoconference hearing. The case will be forwarded to the Board for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for a C-section scar and lumbar spine disability. The claim for acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, is substantiated but the issue of bilateral lower extremity disability (peripheral neuropathy) remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including addressing his contention that the disability is due to radiation exposure and updating the claims file with any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to new and material evidence. The reduction in the disability rating for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 60 percent, effective June 1, 2010, was found proper.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues are whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus rating from 100% to 20% was not warranted, and thus denied the request for restoration.