Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and degenerative changes of the cervical spine. The decision found no evidence to support these claims.

The case is being remanded for the following: (1) obtaining outstanding Social Security Administration (SSA) disability records that may be relevant to the issues on appeal and (2) providing notification in compliance with Kent v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 1 (2006).

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hypertension and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are separately rated at 10 percent. The RO increased these ratings to 40 percent effective May 4, 2007. The veteran's PTSD remains at initial evaluations greater than 30 percent for the first period and greater than 50 percent from June 28, 2004 onwards.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only due to lack of anatomical loss or use of a hand or foot, nor is there permanent impairment of vision.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the veteran's CIDP is aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims, including for a VA examination regarding his PTSD, hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension.

The VA granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, each rated at 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for residuals of cold injuries, peripheral neuropathy, a circulatory disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board has granted service connection for cold injury to the feet, finding that the veteran's symptoms are manifestations of the residuals of a cold injury sustained in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for demyelinating motor polyneuropathy, which he claims as acute transient peripheral neuropathy. The case has been remanded due to issues with VCAA notice and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of his lower and upper extremities, as well as diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions warranted higher evaluations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the legs and feet were denied, but his claim for a compensable rating for epidermophytosis pedis was granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed low back, right wrist, and major depression disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology after service.

The Court has determined that service connection should be restored for the veteran's diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine herniated disc and neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities are related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims are being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of new evidence submitted by him.