Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were not granted, and no special monthly compensation was awarded due to lack of evidence showing need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-existing shrapnel wound to the right leg with residual neuropathy and right foot drop was not aggravated by his military service, thus granting service connection based on a presumption of soundness at entry.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the disability picture did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation prior to May 10, 2005 and beginning on May 10, 2005, it met criteria for a 40% evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen several of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's varicose veins of the left leg warrant a 40 percent rating, but not higher. The peripheral neuropathy of the left leg is secondary to the service-connected varicose veins.

The Veteran's right posterior tibial neuropathy is currently evaluated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's CLL is related to in-service chemical exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied. The Board also found that his claim for TDIU was not raised by the record.

The Veteran's radiculopathy is associated with his service-connected cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis. His peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are not related to his service or any aspect thereof, including his service-connected spinal conditions.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The remaining issues of prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Board finds that the Veteran's polyneuropathy of his upper and lower extremities is not related to his service-connected PTSD, lumbar spine DJD, or cervical spine arthritis. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the polyneuropathy was caused by or aggravated by these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his residuals of a nose injury (including headaches), the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's service-connected deviated nasal septum is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,External hemorrhoids are currently noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a compensable disability rating.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

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

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address whether the Veteran's claimed condition is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial evaluations for his diabetic neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities is denied as there is no evidence that he requires regulation of activities or use of insulin due to diabetes.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted with a staged rating, and the effective date for service connection is set at August 31, 2006. The claimant received an increased evaluation of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability as of August 24, 2010.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The claims of service connection for bilateral defective hearing and chronic bilateral upper and lower idiopathic sensory polyneuropathy were withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection and exposure claims, as well as a need to consider new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to new evidence and other issues not yet addressed by the agency of original jurisdiction.

The Veteran's upper extremities/hand function is preserved, including grasping and manipulation. The Veteran has not lost the use of either arm or hand.