Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities. The RO assigned staged evaluations based on the severity of each condition.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has a post-graduate degree and previous work experience as a dentist.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy secondary to Diabetes Mellitus Type II, and a TDIU due to lack of medical evidence supporting these claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension, do not render him unemployable for all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy as a result of herbicide exposure. The case has been remanded to obtain additional information regarding the veteran's claimed Vietnam service and any potential herbicide exposure.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical opinions and records from the SSA.

The veteran's claim for TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were not related to service or a service-connected condition, thus denying his claims.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 20 percent for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, effective April 19, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, diabetic neuropathy of the right leg, and diabetic neuropathy of the left leg. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied all service connection claims, finding no new and material evidence for the back disorder claim and concluding that none of the other conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the veteran's bronchiectasis and neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete development and notification issues.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation due to lack of qualifying service-connected disability that meets the necessary requirements.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current diagnoses for his right and left foot disabilities. The claims of service connection for these conditions were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or any link to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip disability and peripheral neuropathy, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hallux valgus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his period of active service or to his service-connected condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural issues, and the service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy secondary to a service-connected low back disability will be deferred until the issue of clear and unmistakable error in the April 1998 rating decision is resolved.