Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the previously denied claims of headaches and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg weakness, residuals of a left shoulder injury, stomach disorder, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 60 percent, effective May 19, 2010. The rating was increased based on the need for insulin and restricted diet due to episodes of hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations a year.

The Veteran's low back condition is rated at 20 percent, effective September 21, 2009. His left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also rated at 10 percent, effective September 21, 2009. The Board has granted the Veteran a higher rating for his low back condition and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, specifically exposure to excessive noise. His claims for other conditions are denied as there is no evidence of current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied.,Service connection was granted for depression with an effective date of March 11, 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or substantially contribute to his death from Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, and Polyneuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy were denied. The initial 20% rating for diabetes mellitus was granted, but the remaining issues regarding peripheral neuropathy were denied.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a failure to schedule a hearing. The issues include reopening claims for peripheral neuropathy and seeking increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus, as well as evaluating upper extremity conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current neurological problems are less likely than not related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange, and thus denied service connection for a neurological disorder.

The Veteran's claims for multiple myeloma, malignant melanoma, lipoma, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), peripheral neuropathy or burning and tingling sensations in the feet, and arthritis of the left shoulder, left hip, and cervical spine have been denied as not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted from August 1, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was denied as no current diagnosis could be established. The claims for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction are pending further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if his disabilities are related to exposure to jet fuel during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, spinal arthritis, bilateral leg arthritis, pes planus, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for upper and lower extremity disabilities, including carpal tunnel syndrome and stroke residuals.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent prior to November 13, 2007, and increased to 40 percent from that date. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is currently rated at 10 percent each, while his right upper extremity is rated at 40 percent.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and a higher initial evaluation for PTSD. The Veteran does not have current bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and his PTSD did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent prior to June 21, 2007, or 30 percent thereafter.