Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected conditions. The RO assigned separate 10 percent evaluations for each condition effective September 1, 2004, which were later increased to 10 percent effective November 14, 2005.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities or prostatitis attributable to military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has withdrawn all issues related to service connection due to the veteran's withdrawal of his appeals. The veteran's peripheral neuropathy is rated at 10% for both lower extremities.

The veteran's tinea unguium pedis was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor is it secondary to a service-connected condition.,The veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right leg and foot, left leg and foot does not warrant an initial rating in excess of 20 percent.,The veteran's alopecia does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected scar, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance is granted due to his psychiatric disability, which requires the aid and assistance of his spouse in performing certain daily activities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin rash, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet and a cervical spine disability due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for the cause of death, which includes determining whether atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease caused or contributed to the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of increased ratings for his right ulnar neuropathy and right wrist scar, as well as service connection for a low back disability and bilateral shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus. The RO must verify any in-service stressors claimed by the veteran, conduct further unit research if possible, obtain VA examination reports addressing the nature and likely etiology of the claimed conditions, and ensure all relevant records are associated with the claims file.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, as these were not shown to be related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The RO granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities with a 10% rating effective September 1, 2004.,The RO also granted service connection for ischemic heart disease with a 30% rating effective February 19, 2004.

The Board found that the veteran's skin ulcerations, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board determined that these conditions are unrelated to his military service.

The veteran's initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted, but not in excess of the assigned disability ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a disability of the right lower extremity, claimed as neuropathy, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected disabilities, including residuals of a fractured head of the left radius (elbow), chronic left shoulder strain, DJD of the cervical spine C5, C6, C7, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. The appeal was not about service connection at all.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities as secondary to his diabetes are denied. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and thus could not presume service connection based on Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.