Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The veteran's bilateral testicular atrophy with epididymitis and left ulnar neuropathy are currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluations. The claim for a higher evaluation is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates for various service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, post-concussive syndrome, temporal lobe seizures, neuropathy of the left common peroneal nerve, left ankle fracture, right ear hearing loss, balance disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorders. The appeals are denied.

The veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to September 21, 2006. The medical evidence supports the finding that he could not secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to incomplete examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining National Guard records. The veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, edema of the lower extremities, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left eye disorder, and right eye disorder are not etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease is considered secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding it not causally or etiologically related to service or a service-connected disability. The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent since March 8, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's diabetes mellitus and its related complications (nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy).

The veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the minimum evaluation allowed under the rating criteria for incomplete paralysis.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, type II, sleep apnea, and morbid obesity as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities of tremors of the head and peripheral neuropathy with tremors of the bilateral upper extremities are not related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. As a result, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was granted effective September 13, 2004. The decision is based on his current disabilities and their impact on daily activities.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are each rated at 20 percent, reflecting moderate incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve.,The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, representing occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action due to a failure in VA's duty to assist the veteran regarding his claimed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of the veteran's peripheral neuropathy and PTSD, as well as whether service connection for these conditions can be established. The RO will also obtain any outstanding private medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, which occurred after VA hernia surgery in August 2002, was caused by an event not reasonably foreseeable and therefore meets the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new examination to address the nature and etiology of any current peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and the symptoms and severity of the service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Board has granted a higher disability rating for the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, but denied any increase in ratings for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the claimant's service connection claims for ulnar neuropathy with residual nerve deficit and pain, left elbow; left wrist and hand disability; carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist; and right elbow tendonitis are all denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.