Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran seeks service connection for polyneuropathy, to include Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The Board has determined that additional development is needed and the case is being remanded.

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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The decision is based on a finding that there was no causal relationship between head trauma and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his employability and the impact of his service-connected conditions. The Parkinson's disease claim related to presumed herbicides exposure will also be referred back to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is found to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, and thus he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed low back, left knee, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and right ankle disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right arm and hand disability, diagnosed as neuropathy and radiculopathy, was incurred during service. The claim is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, claimed as a result of herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and for a psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hand and foot disabilities are related to his time on active duty, specifically exposure to extreme cold temperatures in Thule, Greenland. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been rated at 10 percent prior to July 25, 2008, and at 20 percent beginning on July 25, 2008. The RO is directed to grant these ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions in service or due to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was previously rated at 10 percent, and the RO increased it to 20 percent effective August 28, 2008. The rating is for his service-connected lumbar spine disorder only.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his personnel records and verifying if he was exposed to Agent Orange in Korea. A VA examination will also be scheduled to determine the relationship between his current condition and any such exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development of the evidence is required before deciding the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as additional records are needed and an examination is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability and peroneal neuropathy are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his diabetes mellitus and any related complications.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and his claim for peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has been granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities have been dismissed as his statements indicate that a grant of 10 percent ratings would satisfy these issues. The appeal for an evaluation in excess of zero percent for hypertension has been denied.