Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's acid reflux disease, left shoulder condition/rotator cuff, lung problems/bronchial, neuropathy of feet/neuralgia, prostate condition, and sleep disorder were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.,There is no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and his time in active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including additional examinations and a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to clarify the nature and etiology of any existing neurological disorder, including peripheral neuropathy. The claim will be returned for further review after this examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sensory polyneuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is related to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's service-connected right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are both rated at 30 percent, while his claim for prostatitis is denied.

The Board has reviewed the claims for increased evaluations and service connection, but found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation or service connection in all cases. The appeals are therefore denied.

The veteran had a pending TDIU claim at the time of his death, which was granted. The cause of death is being addressed separately.

The veteran's claim for service connection for his health conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its related complications, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for initial consideration.

The veteran is service connected for several conditions and meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and coronary artery disease are caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. As such, these conditions have been granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him helpless and in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for such aid.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The veteran's claim for service connection for polyneuropathy as a result of herbicide exposure has been remanded due to the need for additional development. The claim was previously denied, but reopened based on new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disability (to include post-traumatic stress disorder), finding that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other conditions warranting presumptive service connection. The diagnoses were not related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tumors, chronic prostatitis, and peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides are not reopened as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Board has determined that further examination and development are necessary to determine the nature of the veteran's claimed PTSD and peripheral neuropathy, including whether they are related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including rheumatic fever with heart murmur, ear disability, a left knee disorder, back disorder, shortened right leg, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and lower extremity neuropathy. The decision found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and a compensable initial evaluation for the right upper extremity.,The veteran was granted separate compensable ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, but not for the right upper extremity.