Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension (including as secondary to diabetes mellitus and exposure to herbicide agents), renal insufficiency (including as secondary to diabetes mellitus), and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The decision is based on a finding that there was no evidence of chronicity in service or a showing of continuity of symptoms after discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Sjogren's syndrome and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have resulted in a combined rating of 90 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of unemployability due to these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted, but her claim for an increased rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to assess his diabetes mellitus and retinopathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, claimed as a sympathetic nervous system disorder, and secondary to service-connected disabilities of the feet and ankles is being remanded due to representation issues and failure to readjudicate under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities during service or as a result of service. The Veteran's complaints have not been diagnosed as such by VA examiners.

The Board has determined that the appellant's COPD, bilateral hearing loss, idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, and lung cancer are presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to chemical toxins and nuclear radiation during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for polyneuropathy of the bilateral hands and feet and bladder cancer were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service, including exposure to herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, or radiation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this claim as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hypertensive cardiovascular disease is manifested by left ventricular dysfunction with an estimated ejection fraction of 50 percent, warranting a disability evaluation in excess of 60 percent. The Veteran also meets criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to his in-service exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance since a year prior to the date of claim, leading to SMC at the K-1 level from July 29, 2004. After August 31, 2010, he was granted SMC at the L level based on his need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of injuries sustained in an explosion, pneumonia (claimed as residuals of pneumonia), and TDIU. The claim for increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for left-sided ulnar neuropathy, which he claims is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current left-sided ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right leg neuropathy, and respiratory disorder have been denied.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy have been rated at the minimum (10%) level, reflecting mild impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a VA opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's renal cancer and CIPD were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor are they related to any inservice exposure. Service connection is denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for lymphatic cancer and neuropathy of the left forearm and wrist. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify his claimed exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, as well as to determine if he had any duty in the Republic of Vietnam. He also seeks service connection for neuropathy of the left forearm and wrist on a secondary basis due to his service-connected residuals of a left shoulder injury.