Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's gait ataxia and neuropathy are being remanded for clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding their relationship to service, specifically whether they are related to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of his lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected neuropathy of the right wrist, index finger, and thumb is granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of right (dominant) thumb dislocation. The claim for an increased rating for status post right thumb dislocation remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosed peripheral neuropathy in his lower extremities is not related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left hand has been denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to July 16, 2008, or for a rating in excess of 10 percent from July 16, 2008 to December 3, 2009, and it does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent since December 3, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the criteria for a TDIU have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion regarding his diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, as well as a TDIU issue. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further adjudication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of his upper extremities, finding that it is directly related to his military service and specifically to his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for DM with ED, peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Board denied service connection for prostate disorder and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, both presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure during the Veteran's military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate records and a need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the cause of the Veteran's death is related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information provided by VA in its request for verification of herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service records and a search with JSRRC are required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, chronic prostatitis, and bladder cancer have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding no evidence of such condition in service or within one year after discharge. The claim was based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for benign schwannoma and hypertension, both presumed to be related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. Service connection was also granted for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities with initial evaluations of 10 percent prior to January 4, 2005, which were increased to 30 percent effective January 4, 2005.

The Veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for coronary artery disease with hypertension have been granted, but the appeal is pending. For peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, the Veteran has been granted increased ratings from August 17, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has remanded the case for further examination to determine if his unemployability is due to his service-connected conditions.