Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are both rated at 10 percent. The ratings for the right and left lower extremities have been restored.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for liver cancer, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and diabetic retinopathy, as well as his claim for an increased rating for PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy and diabetes mellitus, are shown to preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work background.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities.

The veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is currently rated at 20 percent, which corresponds to moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression, glaucoma, and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The veteran is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, paresthesias of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to herbicide exposure. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing a direct link between his conditions and military service.

The Board is unable to determine whether the claim for service connection should be reopened due to a lack of SSA records. The case is being remanded to obtain these records and then readjudicate the issues.

The Board found that the veteran's right ulnar neuropathy, associated with traumatic arthritis of the right elbow, resulted in mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve and did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has ordered the veteran to provide statements from his doctors regarding the etiology of his peripheral neuropathy and releases for any medical records not already included in the claims files. The veteran was also asked to undergo heavy metal testing, but did not respond. As a result, the case is being remanded for further action.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, residuals of radiation exposure, and depression. The appeals were not granted as there was no credible evidence supporting these conditions.

The VA has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. The rating is based on the requirement of insulin and a restricted diet.

The veteran claims he developed left ulnar neuropathy as a result of VA treatment, specifically during his coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain records regarding the use of restraints on his arm during and after the surgery.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grants due to his overall disability picture.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection have been denied.,The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to notify him of his scheduled hearing. The case will be reviewed and readjudicated after proper notification.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tinnitus, skin disability, or peripheral neuropathy related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities or diabetic retinopathy, and thus service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.