Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the hands (CTS), secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2. The Veteran's testimony at his May 2012 hearing indicates he currently has this condition.

The Veteran's death was caused by terminal colon cancer with metastasis, but the service-connected diabetes and neuropathy are not considered to be the immediate or underlying cause of his death. The Board is remanding this case for further development.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than June 12, 2008 for the grant of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy were denied as there is no evidence of a claim prior to that date.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and peripheral neuropathy disabilities have been denied. The RO has granted the Veteran a TDIU effective February 9, 2009.

The Board has remanded both issues on appeal due to the Veteran's request for a new hearing. The case will be returned to the RO after the scheduled in-person hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, upper and lower extremities, is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of fractures of the left fourth and fifth fingers, but denied service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy. The Veteran's claim for service connection for his hand injuries is now complete.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected wrist disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not show that any of these conditions warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran has mild ulnar nerve neuropathy associated with his right wrist disability, but this condition is not severe enough to warrant an initial separate rating.

The Veteran's chronic immune system disorder was not incurred or aggravated during her first period of active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination with a neurologist to determine the nature and etiology of any current bilateral foot disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that no communication or correspondence from the Veteran could be interpreted as a claim prior to May 24, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the withdrawal of his claims by his authorized representative prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that pes planus was not aggravated by service and that none of the other claimed conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's skin disorder, spine disorder, arthritis, and peripheral neuropathy are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a connection between these conditions and active military service.,The Veteran's spine disorder is not service-connected as there was no chronicity in service or continuity since separation from service. The Veteran did not sustain an injury or disease during service that could be linked to his current condition.,The Veteran's arthritis, orthopedic, and muscular problems are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a connection between these conditions and active military service.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not service-connected as there was no chronicity in service or continuity since separation from service. The Veteran did not sustain an injury or disease during service that could be linked to his current condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his claimed disabilities, including hypertension, respiratory disorder, chronic sinus infections, bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, and sores from his right buttock.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent disability rating, effective January 29, 2008. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities are related to his military service. Bilateral hearing loss is granted as a result of noise exposure during service. Tinnitus is also linked to service. However, there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy to his service or presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the effective date being August 1, 2007.