Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as his combined disability evaluation is 60 percent and he does not meet the schedular criteria for consideration of a TDIU.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and denied service connection for this condition. The claim for PTSD was also denied as there is no evidence of a confirmed in-service stressor or combat-related PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy of the lower extremities and right foot drop are proximately due to his service-connected back disability.

The Board has determined that an initial compensable rating for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine with chronic low back pain and sciatic neuropathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to the low back disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,There is no current evidence of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperhidrosis, or residuals of cold injuries to either lower extremity.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to unclear self-care function impairment caused by service-connected disabilities versus nonservice-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and mixed hearing loss of the right ear as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy is rated at 60 percent since May 10, 2004 and the effective date for service connection has been set at May 8, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected postoperative residuals of a left elbow injury and left forearm ulnar nerve neuropathy, finding that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings based on the current criteria.

The Board found that the veteran's current eye disorder is not service-connected and denied his claims for increased ratings for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence did not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease, and the current disability was considered to be due to refractive errors rather than a service-connected condition.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of activity regulation required due to diabetes, and thus no higher evaluation could be assigned.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service, and the current conditions are not related to service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his poor balance caused by decreased eyesight and impaired depth perception, as well as weakness and numbness in his extremities. The Board finds that he is unable to function without supervision and assistance.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a program of Independent Living Services under Chapter 31, as the requested equipment is not necessary to improve his independence in daily living.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which has been granted.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's chronic low back strain since February 20, 2007. The other issues were not addressed as they are not part of this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, hypertension, and tinnitus. The decision found no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities, and that there was no medical nexus between the veteran's hypertension and active service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Tinnitus was found to be related to military noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure.,There is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service.

The Board found that the veteran's current neurological findings to include tremors and ataxia were not related to service, and his psychiatric disorders are not related to service or a service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The veteran's TDIU was granted effective from August 23, 2005, due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.