Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a spine disorder (cervical and lumbar), residuals of a hernia repair, and peripheral neuropathy. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neurological disability of the upper extremities, sleep apnea, and tinnitus as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board found that peripheral neuropathy was not manifested within one year after separation from service and is not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, with effective dates not specified.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent disabling effective June 19, 2009. The RO found that the condition did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disability, and peripheral neuropathy of the extremities as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus Type 2 was reopened and granted based on exposure to herbicides in service. Service connection is also granted for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus Type 2, but not for peripheral neuropathy or a bilateral eye disorder. The claim for renal insufficiency remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is due to his active military service, specifically his in-service exposure to cold weather conditions. The medical evidence supports this finding, including a VA examination report and a private physician's opinion.

The Veteran's progressive polyradiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy are found to be as likely as not due to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to in-service cold injuries has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a supplemental medical opinion from the VA examiner to address specific questions regarding onset of symptoms and relationship to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not service-connected and denied his claim.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for higher initial ratings for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disability is found to be related to his in-service motor vehicle accident, while the service-connected diabetes mellitus is considered the cause of his bilateral foot numbness.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding that it is at least as likely as not secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The claim for peripheral neuropathy or other neurological impairment of the left lower extremity was denied due to lack of a current disability.

The Veteran's low back and bilateral leg disabilities are not service-connected. The Board finds no evidence of a current bilateral hip disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy; and chronic skin disease are denied as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The Board found that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty service.

The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective November 25, 2008. The left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remains rated at 20 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran seeks service connection for CIDP, which he claims is related to his in-service treatment and exposure to contaminated water at Camp LeJeune. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and remanded the case for further development.