Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including records from the Veteran's former employer and VA clinical records. The TDIU claim is considered inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity has been rated at 20 percent since September 2006, reflecting moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy have been granted increased ratings, with effective dates of November 24, 2009.

The Veteran's right forearm/hand peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 30 percent since January 1, 2005.,The Veteran's chronic gastritis with history of duodenal cap ulcer has been rated at 10 percent since January 1, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for travel pay to obtain a prosthetic leg and shower leg from the Institute for Advancement in Prosthetics (IAP) in Lansing, Michigan was granted as it is deemed necessary due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran seeks to reopen his service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type 2, as well as claims for peripheral neuropathy and PTSD. The case is being remanded due to the need to address a clear and unmistakable error in the August 2002 rating decision denying service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran's total disability rating based upon unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied as his combined disability rating does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating.

The Veteran's diagnosed peripheral neuropathy manifested to a compensable degree within one year of his service discharge and is presumed to have been incurred during active service.

The Veteran's initial claim of a higher rating for diabetes mellitus prior to January 1, 2007 was denied. The reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent in October 2006 was upheld. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy and hemangiomas were not granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity have been granted. The initial ratings assigned are 10 percent for each condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and fibromyalgia are all granted. The Veteran experienced traumatic events during his service in the Persian Gulf War, which led to a diagnosis of PTSD. His fibromyalgia is considered an undiagnosed illness related to his service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the legs and feet is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's left wrist disorder, including CTS and ulnar neuropathy, is not service-connected. The cervical spine disability has been rated at 10% since the initial rating decision in July 2006.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicides in Korea and determine if he was part of a unit that provided support to the 7th Infantry Division. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations and a de novo review of the claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and erectile dysfunction, finding that the conditions did not have their onset during service or due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was also found not to be a proximate cause.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities are service connected due to exposure to herbicides during his active duty in Vietnam. The Veteran's PTSD is also service-connected.

The Veteran's diabetes and peripheral neuropathy claims are being remanded for further examination. His adjustment disorder with depressed mood claim is also remanded, but he needs to file a Substantive Appeal to perfect his appeal on this issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination to evaluate the severity of his service-connected PTSD and peripheral neuropathy.