Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of headaches other than those associated with allergic rhinitis and episodic sinusitis. Therefore, service connection for this issue is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), is being remanded for further development. The case will be reviewed and the appropriate action taken.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus with associated peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, result in a combined 80 percent evaluation and preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The claim for hypertension is reopened.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot/ankle condition and bilateral hand/wrist/forearm condition, specifically peripheral neuropathy, were incurred in service.

The Veteran's cerebrovascular accident is not considered to be caused by VA medical care, and the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran does not have additional permanent disability, including polyneuropathy of the left foot, as a result of VA treatment in September 2004 and July 2005. The Board finds that there is no evidence to support the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and peripheral neuropathy are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of chronic symptoms in service or a nexus between current conditions and service. The Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected DJD of the right foot is currently rated at 20 percent, effective March 8, 2007. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining employment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent. The claims for increased ratings have been granted.

The Veteran is seeking benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for various disabilities resulting from care received at a VA facility, including gastrectomy and vagotomy, prostatitis, retinal detachment, lymphocytic pleocytosis, and neuropathy. The case has been REMANDED to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and right knee instability have been granted. However, his claims for service connection for lower back and cervical spine disabilities, left knee condition, SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status, and TDIU have all been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and for further development of his claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's white matter disease and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records and to provide him with a VA examination. The claims will be readjudicated after all relevant evidence is considered.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board vacated its previous decision due to the presence of a temporary claims file containing evidence that was not considered at the time, including service connection for depression and an increased disability rating.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus granted as secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including right arm radial nerve neuropathy, shoulder rotator cuff repair, lumbar and cervical spine conditions, left and right knee surgeries, and GERD. The appeals were addressed in the context of initial ratings assigned.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity has been granted a 40 percent disability rating effective June 30, 2008. The left upper extremity is rated at 30 percent since that date.