Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Reynaud's phenomenon, nocturnal pain, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, as well as advanced left first metacarpal degenerative joint disease, were denied because there is no current evidence of these conditions. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed disability related to his service-connected residuals of cold injury.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right ulnar neuropathy. The claims for service connection and increased rating are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities for accrued benefits purposes, finding no evidence of an increase in disability severity.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development of evidence, including obtaining VA medical records and conducting examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in the right upper extremity and lower extremities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. The claim of severance of service connection for peripheral neuropathy in the left upper extremity is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected hernia repair with peripheral neuropathy due to degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been rated at 20 percent since December 7, 2009. The disability is characterized by constant numbness and tingling in the feet extending to the ankles or higher.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for his daily personal needs and protect himself from the hazards of daily living without regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities did not meet or approximate criteria for a compensable evaluation, except for mild symptoms in some cases. The Board denied all claims as there was no evidence showing that the Veteran's conditions were related to his diabetes prior to July 30, 2009.

The Veteran withdrew the claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus. The remaining issues of increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy and diabetic nephropathy with aggravated essential hypertension are addressed in the remand section.

The Board is remanding the claims for higher ratings for dermatitis, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as for a TDIU to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC, for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was incurred during active service.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated based on their manifestations due to his diabetes mellitus. The initial ratings for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diabetic retinopathy, and chronic kidney disease are all granted.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current idiopathic peripheral neuropathy to his military service, including any exposure to carbon tetrachloride. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran is granted entitlement to payment or reimbursement for services performed in May 2007 on the air conditioning system of his 2000 Chevrolet Impala, as these services were deemed necessary due to a leak and required repair.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects mild symptoms such as numbness and tingling. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, but has not reached a decision on the right ulnar neuropathy claim due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for cervical diskectomy and fusion with stenosis, currently rated at 30 percent disabling, and residuals of sensory neuropathy of the left lower extremity, currently rated at 20 percent disabling, were denied. The current ratings are considered appropriate based on the clinical findings.