Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The veteran does not have peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities that is service-connected. Service connection for this condition was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's ataxia with peripheral neuropathy was not caused by VA negligence or fault, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's PTSD, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the toes (claimed as stiff toes), degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of the left foot with tarsal tunnel syndrome, and tarsal tunnel syndrome of the right lower extremity are all found to be related to his military service. Cold injuries of the left ear, other than cancer of the left ear, were also found to be related to his military service.

The veteran is seeking to establish service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as his service-connected conditions do not result in loss of use of any extremities.

The Board has granted initial noncompensable evaluations for the service-connected superficial peroneal nerve neuropathy of the left lower extremity and a scar, anterior upper third aspect of the left lower extremity. The claim for a compensable evaluation based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 is dismissed as moot.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board has dismissed the case as a result.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not found to be related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides. The low back disability and PTSD were also not found to be related to the veteran's active duty service.

The Board denied increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as diabetes mellitus. The veteran's conditions are currently rated at 60 percent each.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and lower extremity neuropathy.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent for diabetic neuropathy of the right leg effective from February 10, 2005. The veteran's condition is characterized by intermittent foot drop and decreased sensation in the dorsum of the right foot.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted based on his service in Vietnam and the presumption of exposure to herbicides. The secondary service connections for blindness, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy are also granted as they are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy and hypertension are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has found that the veteran currently suffers from sleep apnea and neuropathy, which are not related to his service-connected valvular heart disease. The preponderance of evidence does not support a link between these conditions and service or any period thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for colon polyps and peripheral neuropathy manifested by CMT disease and mixed polyneuropathy of a demyelinating type.

The veteran's service-connected right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was granted, with a rating of 30 percent.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, claimed as due to VA medical treatment, is denied.

The Board has remanded this case for further development, including obtaining a complete educational and employment history from the appellant and scheduling VA examinations to assess his ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and his combined rating does not meet the percentage requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The Board finds that he is not entitled to such a rating.