Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a video conference hearing.

The Board is remanding the case for further development and review, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's back disability. The issues on appeal include service connection for various disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and bilateral lower extremities did not result from his service or a service-connected condition, including as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound, left shoulder, Muscle Group IV.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need of regular aid and attendance due to his various disabilities, as he is able to care for himself and protect himself from hazards in his environment.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the denial of the veteran's request for an extension of his appeal deadline was improper and granted the veteran's claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, hearing loss, or chronic skin infections attributable to military service. The veteran's diabetes mellitus is adequately controlled with medication and diet. His peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities is mild to moderate.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is service-connected due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU until September 27, 2002. Therefore, an effective date earlier than September 27, 2002 is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current peripheral neuropathy is related to herbicide exposure during active duty service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure were denied as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis or link between the conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased evaluations, finding that there is no dispute as to relevant facts and that the law does not support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA examinations. The veteran is seeking service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which he claims is related to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service.

The veteran's claims have been remanded due to technical issues preventing the obtaining of a transcript from his hearing. He is entitled to another hearing via videoconference.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for glaucoma, open angle, bilateral, and service connection for peripheral neuropathy are all denied. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable under VA regulations. Service connection for glaucoma, open angle, bilateral was not established due to lack of a current diagnosis or causal relationship to the service-connected diabetes mellitus. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy was also not established because there is no competent evidence demonstrating its secondary nature to the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance, nor specially adapted housing or a home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, and there is no current evidence of residuals from malaria or peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and has also determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to a left knee disorder.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to new evidence and symptom worsening, requiring a VA examination for PTSD.