Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied. The RO found that his conditions did not warrant higher initial or staged ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the right hand and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claims for initial compensable evaluations for hemorrhoids and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for tinnitus, are being remanded to complete the appeal process.

The veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. The claim for housebound status benefits is moot as the aid and attendance rate is greater. Specially adapted housing and home adaptation grant claims are denied.

The veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant were denied as he does not meet the eligibility requirements under the law.

The veteran's combined disability rating is 90%, but the Board finds that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board is requesting additional information to determine if the veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Korea, which could affect his claims for secondary service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before the DRO and further development of his claims.

The veteran's cold injury residuals are rated at the maximum scheduler rate of 30 percent for each lower extremity, and his peripheral neuropathy is also rated at 20 percent for each lower extremity.,Both conditions have not manifested with more severe symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue to the AOJ for additional development due to a change in the hearing officer.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's left arm ulnar neuropathy is rated at 30 percent since October 16, 2006. The right knee disability with torn medial meniscus and degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran is not entitled to a higher initial rating for his scars of the left hand or peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and bilateral peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of a current diagnosis or direct causation.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on March 21, 2005 was denied because the services were not for a service-connected disability and there were no feasible VA facilities available.

The veteran's combined schedular rating is 70 percent, but his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claim for retroactive VA compensation due to receiving military retirement pay instead of VA compensation is denied as there is no legal provision warranting the award.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus was manifested by dietary restriction and either insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent prior to November 5, 2003. The disability did not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to unclear determination of his mobility issues.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, which is a service-connected condition.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, finding no evidence to support a presumption based on herbicide exposure or direct service connection.