Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy results in loss of use of both feet, meeting the criteria for an automobile allowance. The Board has granted eligibility for payment or reimbursement for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right foot, lumbar spine, neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and right hip conditions are being remanded due to new evidence submitted that may support these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both arms and legs due to chemical exposure. The case will be returned to the examiner for further discussion of the new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to consider pertinent evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The case is returned for further development.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathies of the sciatic nerve are granted a disability rating of 40 percent each, while the right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathies of the femoral nerves are granted separate disability ratings of 20 percent each.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, including right and left lower extremity cold injury residuals, peripheral neuropathy due to cold weather injury, tinnitus, and cervical spine DDD, were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea, stroke residuals, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The VA must provide a new examination or opinion in these areas.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including verification of herbicide exposure and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both feet due to insufficient reasoning in a previous medical opinion. A new opinion is needed to determine if the condition was caused by presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied, while his secondary service connection claim for a neurological disability of the lower extremities (classified as neuralgia) was granted.,The Board found that the Veteran’s complaints of nerve pain in the lower extremities are likely due to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, major depressive disorder, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy are all rated at the current levels. The Board has ordered remand to obtain updated medical records and examinations for these conditions.

The Veteran was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to May 7, 2007 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected as it is not related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not service-connected as it is not secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has not fully addressed the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities, secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The remand requires a new opinion from an appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 has required oral medication, insulin injections, and a restricted diet but not regulation of activities. The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided were not sufficient to address the Veteran's claims for service connection. The Veteran is being remanded for additional evaluations and opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy, neurogenic bladder, and depressive disorder have been reopened. The new evidence supports the reopening of these claims.,Service connection has not been established for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, or sleep apnea.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for irritable bowel syndrome, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, including consideration of special monthly compensation (SMC), and for entitlement to a TDIU prior to October 7, 2010.