Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence to establish a link between his military service and this condition. The claims for peripheral neuropathy and hypertension remain pending as new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 80 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction are not related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for another VA examination to assess the severity of the service-connected bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be related to service or herbicide exposure. His PTSD claim was not substantiated by evidence of a diagnosed condition. Bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was found to be etiologically related to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was withdrawn.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in her left upper extremity, right upper extremity, left lower extremity, or right lower extremity.,For the entire period of appeal, the criteria for the assignment of a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD are not met.,For the entire period of appeal, the criteria for entitlement to an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, have not been met.

Prior to January 28, 2011, the Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were not shown to warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent. From January 28, 2011, they are rated at 20 percent.

The Board found that the appellant's additional disabilities, including cervical spine radiculopathy and psychiatric disorders, were not caused by VA carelessness or negligence. The surgeries performed did not result in these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left forearm and right ankle disorders were denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities, prior to February 1, 2011, prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in the record and specific questions regarding the nature and likely etiology of the claimed cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right elbow disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his service-connected multiple sclerosis and related urinary incontinence, have rendered him helpless as he requires regular aid and attendance due to physical disabilities such as balance issues, coordination problems, and difficulty with daily activities.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is due to his service-connected right ankle disability and has been granted.,The Veteran's right leg disability is also due to his service-connected right ankle disability and has been granted.,For the period prior to November 2, 2012, a 50 percent rating for depressive disorder has been granted. For the period since November 2, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,A 50 percent rating for migraine headaches has been granted.,For the period prior to November 5, 2012, a 10 percent rating for asthma has been granted. For the period since November 5, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,A 30 percent rating for TMJ disorder based on limitation of motion has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 20 percent rating for TMJ disorder based on unilateral loss of whole or part of ramus involving loss of temporomandibular articulation has been granted.,A 20 percent rating for the right ankle disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the lumbar spine disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the right knee disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the left knee disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,A 10 percent rating for the right carpal tunnel syndrome has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,A 10 percent rating for the right lower extremity neuropathy has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For the period prior to December 13, 2012, a 10 percent rating for GERD has been granted. For the period since December 13, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the left ankle disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for sinusitis has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is as likely as not related to service, specifically Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a neurological condition in his right wrist, including carpal tunnel syndrome and peroneal nerve injury, which he believes are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The current examination reports do not adequately address the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is currently rated at 20 percent prior to March 24, 2014, and 40 percent thereafter. His PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to that date and increased to 70 percent from March 24, 2014.,The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on appeal were denied as his service-connected diabetic neuropathy did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating codes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injuries, including neuropathy and paresthesias of the upper and lower extremities and carpal tunnel syndrome of the upper extremities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the reopening of service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, a right kidney disability, and back pain. As such, these issues are dismissed.