Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type 2 and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities prior to February 28, 2011 were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for residuals of shrapnel wounds, diabetic neuropathy, and coronary artery disease are denied as there is no evidence to support a service connection relationship.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity) prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this evidence.

The Veteran's claimed peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not service-connected due to a lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated during his military service, and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure within the required timeframe. The Board has presumed exposure to Agent Orange based on his Vietnam-era service but found that the condition did not manifest within one year after separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and blurred vision (diabetic retinopathy) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities has been denied or granted with effective dates ranging from September 10, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have upper extremity peripheral neuropathy during service or within one year after discharge, and thus could not establish a presumptive claim based on herbicide exposure. The evidence does not show acute/subacute peripheral neuropathy as required for presumptive service connection.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that it is not related to service or due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran had in-service herbicide exposure, presumptively associated with type II diabetes mellitus. However, further medical examination is needed to determine if these conditions are linked to the claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at a private facility on July 2, 2009 was denied as prior authorization from VA was not obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied as there is no competent evidence of these conditions during or after his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for a left leg disorder and a back disorder. The Veteran's STRs do not show any in-service diagnosis or treatment related to these conditions, and there is no evidence linking them to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for right wrist and arm disabilities, as well as a left hand disability for purposes of accrued benefits. The Veteran's lung disability is not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of right knee flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, extension beyond 3 degrees, subluxation, or lateral instability. Peripheral neuropathy was found to be mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. There is no evidence of ischemic heart disease, chronic heart disability (excluding hypertension), peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities, rash on face and scalp, GERD, erectile dysfunction, renal insufficiency, sinus disability, or TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as he failed to report for VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination of his peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes and peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure, as well as the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is not established, and there are no chronic symptoms or diagnoses related to these conditions during service.

The Board found no evidence linking the cause of the Veteran's death to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an examination to determine if the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities is related to service and whether his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, right hand, and neuropathy disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty military service.