Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing proper notice of secondary service connection requirements.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower extremities, is not related to service or exposure to herbicides. As a result, service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 23, 2004 for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities has been denied. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not shown to be manifested by more than mild incomplete paralysis, and his erectile dysfunction is associated with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to spinal procedures during service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral lower extremities, finding that it is related to an in-service cold injury.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. Service connection was also denied for high blood pressure due to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, impotence, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, and depression have all been denied as secondary to herbicide exposure. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange in Panama.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status. His conjunctivitis is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's service in Vietnam, which could affect his claim for service connection based on herbicide exposure. The Veteran is presumed exposed to Agent Orange and may be entitled to service connection for prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy if these conditions are associated with such exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's immune complex disease and vasculitis with peripheral neuropathy are not related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities related to his active duty service, herbicide exposure, or service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The examiner determined that the Veteran's current bilateral neuropathy is less likely as not caused by or the result of a service-connected disability, diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and Charcot foot disability are currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 40 percent, while the right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also rated at 40 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition, thyroid condition, high blood pressure, and peripheral neuropathy. The claim for exposure to Agent Orange as a result of herbicide exposure is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature of his peripheral neuropathy claims. Additionally, a VA examination will be scheduled to assess the current severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and bilateral polymyalgia rheumatica, finding that there was no medical evidence suggesting a relationship to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, effective from December 7, 2006. The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are being remanded due to a need for further development.