Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including headaches and hypertension, all claimed as secondary to in-service exposure to toxic chemicals. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals during a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as likely due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during military service.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the severity of his diabetes mellitus and any related complications, as well as his employability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been increased to 40 percent, effective from July 7, 2006.

For the right lower extremity prior to April 29, 2009, a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted. For the right lower extremity from April 29, 2009, a 20% evaluation is granted.,For the left lower extremity prior to April 29, 2009, a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted. For the left lower extremity from April 29, 2009, a 20% evaluation is granted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a direct link between the Veteran's military service and his current health issues.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy related to service, including as a result of cold exposure.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were denied by the RO, with a final evaluation of 20% in place since September 7, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The appeal is not ready for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected inactive TB residuals. Additionally, he must be provided with an SOC regarding the issues of increased ratings for bilateral onychomycosis, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy as well as service connection for hallux valgus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, thyroid disability, and psychiatric disability are all denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was rated at 20 percent prior to March 29, 2011 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The RO found that his symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to address the etiology of his peripheral neuropathy and whether it is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her lumbar spine disability and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's low back disability and sciatica are not service-connected, but his right sacroiliac joint dysfunction is rated at 10%.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and is unrelated to a disease or injury of service origin. The claims for service connection for asthma, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity (secondary to diabetes), and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity are denied.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been granted increased ratings to 20 percent, effective June 4, 2010.