Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and retinopathy was granted a rating of 20 percent, effective prior to May 9, 2006. The ratings for diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were also granted at 20 percent from May 9, 2006, to July 10, 2006. For the period beginning July 11, 2006, the veteran's diabetes mellitus with retinopathy was rated as 20 percent and his peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities were each rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including skin cancer, sterility, flat feet, peripheral neuropathy and gout, and hypertension. The appeals were based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for spinal muscular atrophy and degenerative disc disease changes, lumbar spine as a result of exposure to herbicides. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left leg burn scars do not warrant a compensable rating, and his peripheral neuropathy of the left and right legs are not secondary to these conditions. Therefore, the claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.

The veteran seeks service connection for chronic hypertension, early stage kidney disorder, and early stage neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board finds that a new examination is needed to clarify the diagnoses and etiology of these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a current neuromuscular disorder with axonal neuropathy in service or for decades thereafter, and concluded that the veteran's condition is not related to any aspect of his active duty. The claim was denied.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of sinusitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (Major Depressive Disorder), or left hand neuropathy. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy and vascular problems and erectile dysfunction, all secondary to herbicide exposure. The veteran was not granted any of his claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disorders and peripheral neuropathy are not related to his service, including his exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to diabetes. The effective date is set at September 26, 2002, based on the earliest clinical manifestation of symptoms referable to peripheral neuropathy.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development to determine if he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities. However, he is not substantially confined to his dwelling or immediate premises by reason of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to his service or exposure to Agent Orange. The case is REMANDED for obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA neurological examination.

The RO granted service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure, effective February 23, 2001. Service connection was denied for a skin disability and peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings, finding that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant higher disability evaluations based on current symptomatology.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and chloracne, finding no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The Board also found that presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicides is not warranted.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that chloracne was not incurred or aggravated by service and is unrelated to military service, including presumed herbicide exposure during his service in the Republic of Vietnam. Peripheral neuropathy of the right leg and left leg are not shown to be related to military service, including presumed herbicide exposure. Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Sjogren's syndrome were not incurred or aggravated by service and are unrelated to military service. Arthritis of the legs and feet is not shown to be otherwise related to service or a service-connected disorder. Hypertension was not incurred in service but is aggravated by his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for medical opinions regarding his hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.