Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's demyelinating polyneuropathy and peripheral neuropathy were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his time in active duty. The Board also noted that he did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era, thus precluding presumptive service connection under applicable regulations.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of the claims for initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and lumbar spine.

The veteran's cause of death was not related to his service-connected conditions, and he did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection. The claim for a skin rash is also denied due to lack of evidence linking it to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, as there was no medical nexus linking the condition to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were granted increased ratings to 40 percent effective April 8, 2008.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The issues of increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension, heart disability including coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, and peripheral neuropathy (ulnar mononeuropathy) were all denied. The evidence did not show that any of these conditions started during or were otherwise related to the veteran's military service.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the dominant right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity have been rated at 30 percent, 20 percent, 20 percent, and 20 percent respectively throughout the rating period on appeal.

The veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus and neuropathy of the hands and feet are presumed to have been incurred as a result of exposure to herbicides in service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have nerve damage related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any psychiatric disability, diabetic retinopathy (blurred vision), chloracne and porphyria cutanea, or peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities for purposes of establishing service connection.,Regarding erectile dysfunction, the evidence is insufficient to establish its etiology.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus has been managed with oral hypoglycemic medication and restricted diet. He does not require a restriction of activities or experience episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions.,Starting in January 2006, the veteran experiences constant pain and tiredness, numbness, and cramping after extended walking. There is decreased pinprick and vibration sense at the ankles with complete loss of sensitivity.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy have been granted increased ratings, but not to the maximum levels. The veteran continues to experience symptoms that affect his daily activities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin cancer, hypertension, paresthesia of fingers/toes, renal artery atherosclerotic disease, CAD, and erectile dysfunction are not service-connected or secondary to service.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and neurogenic bladder, finding that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for memory loss and inability to concentrate, and denied an increased rating for right ulnar nerve neuropathy.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cold injury residuals of the right and left feet with neuropathy and osteoarthritis, substantially impair his employability. The Board grants a TDIU based on these conditions.