Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and bilateral hip disorders were not proximately caused by VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA. The events leading to these disabilities did not occur during VA treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities does not warrant ratings higher than 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively, for either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is causally related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from acute myocardial infarction. The medical opinion provided by a VA physician indicated it was less likely than not that any of the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was not shown to be related to his service, including as due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, actinic keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma are related to service exposure to radiation. As such, these claims have been granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a neurological disability of the left upper extremity, including reflex sympathetic dystrophy and peripheral neuropathy, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have rendered him unable to use his feet, meeting the criteria for assistance in providing an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board finds that the Veteran's upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, as a manifestation of diabetes mellitus type II, did not manifest prior to January 24, 2004. Therefore, an effective date prior to this date is denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted service connection based on in-service combat exposure. Service connection was also granted for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure, but not for other conditions as they were not diagnosed or related to service.

The Board found that hepatitis C with peripheral neuropathy was not due to disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address the Veteran's right elbow disability and his TDIU claim. The issues include seeking higher ratings for the right elbow disability and determining whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the appellant's diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, diabetic left hand syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, effective December 27, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left lower extremity disorder, diagnosed as traumatic neuropathy, is service-connected and was incurred during service. The right knee osteoarthritis is also service-connected and is considered secondary to the left lower extremity disorder.,The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is related to his left lower extremity dysfunction due to abnormal weight-bearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD-related memory loss, have rendered him unemployable consistent with his education and occupational experience. Therefore, the Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as he failed to appear at the scheduled VA examination and did not provide good cause.

The Board has determined that a VA medical examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current eye disability, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The appellant's representative requested this remand for the purpose of obtaining such an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, granting these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, prior to January 13, 2010, is rated at 20 percent. From January 13, 2010, the rating remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's right foot claw toe deformity and right foot neuropathy are currently rated at the minimum levels, with no higher ratings warranted. The cervical spine/neck disability is not addressed in this decision.