Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that a rating of 30 percent, but not higher, for the veteran's left upper extremity disability (including neuropathy and RSD) is warranted throughout the initial evaluation period.

The veteran's claims for secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, renal disease with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and hypertension, and sexual dysfunction were granted effective May 8, 2001. The Board finds no earlier effective date is warranted.,The veteran's claims for secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities were granted effective May 8, 2001. The Board finds no earlier effective date is warranted.,The veteran's claims for secondary service connection for renal disease with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and hypertension, and sexual dysfunction were granted effective May 8, 2001. The Board finds no earlier effective date is warranted.,The veteran's claims for secondary service connection for sexual dysfunction were granted effective May 8, 2001. The Board finds no earlier effective date is warranted.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the feet and hands, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were not incurred or related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected right and left hand disabilities were denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left and right hip disorders, prostate cancer, valvular heart disease, and COPD. The Board found no evidence of a chronic disability related to his hips during military service or within one year post-service. The Board also found that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicides in Vietnam and thus could not grant presumptive service connection for prostate cancer.

The veteran's recurrent boils in the rear of the neck are found to be due to treatment for the same condition during service while serving in Vietnam. The arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, heart murmur, and hypertension are not considered service-connected.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including high blood pressure, back disorder, left leg pain (other than peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes mellitus type II), depression, hyperglycemia, bilateral knee disorders, right hip disorder, and bilateral foot disorder. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection in these cases.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for further action, including providing VCAA notification and readjudicating the claim.

The veteran's claim for evaluations of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both feet is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The veteran has lost the use of his right hand and foot due to peripheral neuropathy, qualifying him for special monthly compensation. He is also eligible for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment and specially adapted housing.

The Board denied claims for service connection for tinnitus, gout of the ankles and feet, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The veteran's claim for tinnitus was denied as there was no earlier filed claim found. Service connection for gout and peripheral neuropathy were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, eye disorder, and chronic skin fungus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or any herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claim for additional disability due to an EMG performed at a VA medical facility was denied as there is no evidence of physical injury resulting from the procedure.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.,The veteran has a permanent loss of use of one hand (left), meeting criteria for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to independently perform daily functions of self-care and to protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral ankle, knee, and low back disabilities as secondary to her service-connected pes planus. The claim for an increased rating for pes planus was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and verifying in-service stressors. The veteran is also to be examined by a VA psychiatrist to determine if PTSD was incurred during service and whether any current psychiatric disability had its onset during service or is otherwise related to service. A VA examination is also needed to determine if porphyria cutanea tarda and peripheral neuropathy are related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder and peripheral neuropathy are not related to service or any incident of service. The appeal for these conditions must be denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's peripheral neuropathy.