Veteran of 1968-1969 Plieku, Vietnam and Can Ranh Bay. Va Rating officers from St. Petersburg Fl. have said that my numbness and tingling of my feet and legs all the way to my thighs is not related to my diabetes because I said that they started about 4-5 years before I was diagnosed with Diabetes II. I never was diagnosed with either because I was just one that never went to the Dr. hardly.Just chalked it up as old age creeping up on me. They also say my hypertension is not related. Hearing loss (bilateral) was stated by the audiologist that it was considered as of rating schedule of today would be considered as likely as not, but they still will not give me a rating. They've given 10% for tinnitus. They gave me hearing aides but the tinnitus is so bad I can't wear the hearing aides because of the noise from the ringing in the ears.I' 40% rated and I've always paid copay for specialists in the VA and prescriptions. I draw $659.00 VA and $1760.00 social security disability. VA won't give IU. HELP if you can. I'm appealing for this and many other ailments. The Board of Appeals has had my appeal papers since June of 2006 and they are only working at January of 2006 over 2 years.

What you are suffering from is called peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, do you have it in your hands also? Have a doctor write you a letter, on his letterhead, that states that the "peripheral neuropathy is more likely than not, greater than a fifty percent change, caused by your service connected diabetes" and then give his opinion why. Very importent that he does that and then you should be service connected for it. Is it also spreading to your eyes as diabetic retinopathy or other places as a loss of use of a creative organ that you can receive a special monthly compensation or SMC for?

Hello and thanks very much in advance for any info you can provide.
I would like to file a claim for neuropathy, secondary to type 2 diabetes (diet controlled).
After being diagnosed with carpal tunnel (both hands) 2 years ago (not service connected), I had surgery on the left hand. Followed up with my seeing the chief of neurosurgery of the VA hospital, he noted "that surgery on my left hand was not healing as well as liked, and that there is never a guarantee that the tingling/numbness will ever leave." He also noted "He has (presumed) diabetic neuropathy in the lower extremities which give him numbness/tingling and there may be an element of this involded in the hands.

Then, during my later primary doc appt. I had a diabetic foot sensory exam and my primary noted "foot pains, probably neuropathy."

Are these notes sufficient statements to file a claim? Do I have a Nexus? Thanks again.

Check with your VSO for the best approach. Every diabetes examination should included a complete physical, including a thorough inspection of your feet. You well be well served to follow the advice of your physician to insure the best care is taken for your benefit.