Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and scarring of the buttocks are remanded due to incomplete service records, requiring further investigation and possible VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and acquired psychiatric disability (depression) are all related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ASCAD) associated with diabetes mellitus, type II from June 1, 2007, was denied. His TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy, as well as consideration of a TDIU claim. The case will be returned to the Board after these issues are addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and left ear hearing loss are all service-connected. The Veteran has been granted a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD since September 2, 2005, and is also granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinea pedis, and a rash-type disorder involving the chest and legs.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain prior to February 11, 2005, and separate 20 percent disability evaluations for left and right lower extremity neuropathy during the entire appeal period.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder and bilateral foot disorder other than peripheral neuropathy are not related to his military service, thus denying these claims.

The Veteran's diabetic polyneuropathy of the left and right lower extremities has been rated at 20 percent since October 20, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings and service connection were granted, with a 30% rating assigned for bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal heel spurs effective September 12, 2006. Service connection was established for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to chemical exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy and posttraumatic stress disorder, have resulted in a permanent and total disability rating. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities affecting both lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities may be presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange, and thus grants a claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his blindness and PTSD, are found to have caused or contributed substantially to his death from renal failure due to hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity warrants a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus (due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam), and erectile dysfunction as secondary to coronary artery disease. Service connection is denied for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and kidney disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a statement of the case on service connection for coronary artery disease and an examination to determine his employability.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities is not service-connected, as it is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities with loss of equilibrium and Dupuytren's contractures, finding that his condition was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is now rated at 30 percent, and his left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also rated at 30 percent.