Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for neuropathy of the right and left hands were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied an initial disability rating greater than 20 percent for the service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, and denied an initial compensable disability rating between December 3, 2003 and December 18, 2006 and an initial disability rating greater than 10% since December 19, 2006 for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity was remanded to obtain additional evidence and schedule a VA examination.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, but not for erectile dysfunction. The claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of all extremities were denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremity, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and the veteran's active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a stroke, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frozen feet, as there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, a low back disability, and a skin disability.

The Board remands the case for further development to determine whether the veteran's current right eye disorder was incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum available rating for this condition. The peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities remains rated at 20 percent each, and the veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and a higher initial rating for left side sciatic neuropathy, as the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, kidney disorder, right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, and tinnitus as there is no competent evidence linking any of these conditions to active service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings or earlier effective dates.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion on whether the disabilities are secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus and any aggravation by that condition.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral visual disorder, tinea pedis, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ. However, it granted service connection for tinea pedis secondary to service-connected tinea pubis and erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 40 percent effective June 6, 2005, and separate ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were granted.

The Board concluded that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right and left foot.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for peroneal and tibial neuropathy of the right leg, as the evidence did not support higher ratings.