Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his diabetes mellitus and its associated neuropathies, including right footdrop. The case is being remanded for a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease secondary to diabetes mellitus, but remanded the issue of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that further development of the Veteran's claims is needed, including obtaining private medical records from Dr. Walsh.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each, effective since December 3, 2004.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that these conditions are related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been treated with oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin, but does not require regulation of activities or hospitalization.,Since March 24, 2009, the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent due to restrictions on strenuous activity.,The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity results in weakness and pain but no significant chronic motor or sensory abnormality.,The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity also results in weakness and pain, with a history of exacerbation over the course of the appeal period.,The Veteran's diabetic amyotrophy of the right lower extremity is rated at 10 percent due to an exacerbation that resolved over time.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as not incurred in or aggravated by service and not proximately due to or the result of diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that further examination and medical opinion are needed to resolve the claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy, as the current evidence is inadequate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and heart disease. The evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on the criteria provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to malaria, colon nodules, or peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure. Coronary artery disease was not shown to be caused by service-connected PTSD and/or hypertension. The Veteran's functional bowel syndrome with hiatal hernia is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left ulnar neuropathy and palsy from July 21, 2007 was granted. The appeal for an initial rating prior to that date is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened and rendered him unemployable, necessitating a remand to obtain updated medical records and adjudicate increased rating claims for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current peptic ulcer disease is at least as likely as not related to his period of active service. The claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder was aggravated by active service, and his bilateral upper extremity neuropathy is secondary to a service-connected disease or injury.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, sexual dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus type II have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a disorder of the left hand, a headache disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or show that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with peripheral vascular disease and associated peripheral neuropathies have been rated based on the current manifestations, but no higher ratings are warranted as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.