Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in either the upper or lower extremities, and concluded that any symptoms are not related to service. The Veteran's assertions regarding the onset of symptoms were inconsistent.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions were denied, with the exception of PTSD which was granted and assigned a 30% disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the issues of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, to include as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for hypertension, blurred vision and/or cataracts, and a respiratory condition/COPD. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and related peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction are all presumed to be due to his exposure to herbicides during service at U-Tapao Airbase in Thailand.

The Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome with history of bursitis is currently rated at 20 percent, and the neuropathy associated with this condition is separately rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and bilateral hand disability are caused by his service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, resulting in a grant of service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to conduct further development of his claims, including obtaining SSA benefits determination and any necessary examinations or opinions.

The Board found that no increase in severity warranting higher ratings occurred within one year prior to the date of receipt of the claim.,The Board found that no increase in severity warranting higher ratings for neuropathy as a manifestation of the service-connected shell fragment wound of the left foot occurred within one year prior to the date of receipt of the claim.,The Board found that no increase in severity warranting higher ratings for the scar as a manifestation of the service-connected shell fragment wound of the left foot occurred within one year prior to the date of receipt of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's essential tremor is related to service. The claim for peripheral neuropathy remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claim for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is also granted. However, his PTSD claim remains pending as new evidence was not submitted to reopen this previously denied claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic right knee disorder during service and concluded that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and granted it. The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities was denied as there is no current evidence of such condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability was reopened and granted. The Board found that new evidence related to Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam service may be associated with the current skin rash.,Service connection for sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy, and low back disability were denied as there is no medical evidence of these conditions at any time since separation from service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including additional examinations and consideration of his service connection claims. His TDIU claim will also be considered.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for another VA examination to determine his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, as well as for additional VA treatment records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, caused his current peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted from March 13, 2012, as his combined disability rating was at least 80% and he met the schedular requirements. The issue is moot after May 16, 2013.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board finds that it is less likely than not related to his presumed herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The claim for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities remains pending.