Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left leg injury, low back disorder, and peripheral neuropathy are not related to his active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or exposure to herbicides that could cause these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of the evidence. The issue of service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has also been raised but will be adjudicated separately.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's claimed Vietnam service and to determine if any transport aircraft based at the Dallas Naval Air Station carried passengers or supplies to South East Asia in 1968.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and tinnitus, do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The preponderance of evidence does not show he is unemployable solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is rated at 40 percent, which approximates moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied. The Board found that diabetes mellitus required only insulin and a restricted diet, without regulation of activities, preventing a rating in excess of 20 percent. Service connection was not granted as the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is considered secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and allowing the Veteran an opportunity to substantiate his claimed exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's right upper extremity disability, characterized by neuropathy with brachial neuritis affecting multiple nerves including the median and ulnar nerve, is rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 8513 for moderate incomplete paralysis of all major radicular groups. The appeal regarding service connection for residuals of PRK remains unresolved.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus (type II) on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claims of service connection for neuropathy affecting the feet and vision problems have been reopened, but further development is needed before final adjudication can be made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have all been denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously-denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the inadequacy of a recent VA examination. The examiner diagnosed hereditary peripheral neuropathy and opined that it was less likely than not incurred in or caused by an in-service injury, event or illness. Further development is needed to determine if the condition is a congenital defect or disease, and whether there is clear and unmistakable evidence of its pre-existence or aggravation during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected coronary artery disease and peripheral neuropathy, as well as for obtaining additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy is rated at 30 percent effective July 1, 2010. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for a neurological disorder of the bilateral upper extremities, including peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome. The claim was not granted as there is no evidence linking these conditions to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's low back disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, and he is granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and disc herniation of the lumbosacral spine. The issue of service connection for neuropathy remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of a scheduled hearing before the Board. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran is granted compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for multiple ruptured tendons due to VA treatment, but there is no evidence of peripheral neuropathy resulting from Cipro use.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and its associated peripheral neuropathy of the left and right feet. The case is being remanded to determine if the Veteran has a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type 2 and whether his current lower extremity neurological symptoms are related to service or his diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PVD of the bilateral lower extremities and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to January 28, 2013.