Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and heart disorder (claimed as irregular heartbeat) have all been denied due to lack of evidence supporting the presence or causation of these conditions during service.

The Board denied all accrued benefits claims, finding that there was no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases. The cause of death was not determined to be related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability and left lower extremity neuropathy were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor are they related to a service-connected condition. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II and its secondary effects on peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, and an eye disorder, have been denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during service or that they are related to a service-connected disability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding no current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any condition to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from November 10, 2005 to November 18, 2005 were denied as the VA determined that he was stable for transfer to a VA facility by November 9, 2005.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acid reflux disease, left shoulder condition/rotator cuff, lung problems/bronchial, neuropathy of feet/neuralgia, prostate condition, and sleep disorder were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.,There is no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and his time in active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including additional examinations and a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to clarify the nature and etiology of any existing neurological disorder, including peripheral neuropathy. The claim will be returned for further review after this examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sensory polyneuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is related to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's service-connected right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are both rated at 30 percent, while his claim for prostatitis is denied.

The Board has reviewed the claims for increased evaluations and service connection, but found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation or service connection in all cases. The appeals are therefore denied.

The veteran had a pending TDIU claim at the time of his death, which was granted. The cause of death is being addressed separately.

The veteran's claim for service connection for his health conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its related complications, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for initial consideration.

The veteran is service connected for several conditions and meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and coronary artery disease are caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. As such, these conditions have been granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.