Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hearing loss of the left ear, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity. The claim for a compensable rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity was granted but with an initial noncompensable evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the September 2003 rating decision, which granted service connection for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy and assigned a 20% rating, was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The veteran's appeal regarding a separate evaluation for peripheral neuropathy is denied.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II. The secondary service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was also denied as there is no evidence suggesting a direct relationship between the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and his current condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a back disability and skin rashes, all presumed to be related to herbicide exposure. The Board also denied service connection for neuropathy of the hands and feet as well as loss of sense of smell.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus, effective from August 23, 2007. The veteran's claim is denied prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the veteran's avulsion and neuropathy of the left musculocutaneous nerve warrants a disability rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of each lower extremity, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The Board suggests that there may be a nexus between his claimed disorders and service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of both legs do not warrant evaluations in excess of 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have optic neuropathy as a result of syphilis contracted in service or caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD, and an initial compensable rating for ulnar neuropathy of the right upper extremity. The veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have neuropathy of the lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, or hearing loss related to his military service. Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cold sensitization, peripheral neuropathy, and arthritis of multiple joints due to a lack of competent evidence of current disabilities or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to VCAA notice deficiencies and to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions and VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for presumptive service connection for polyradiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy, including as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. The decision is pending further development on remand.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board found that the veteran's sleep apnea, left arm disorder, prostatitis (claimed as urinary tract condition), diabetes, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and umbilical hernia are all related to his active service. The eye disorder was not found to be related to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities (diabetes mellitus, left and right lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, and right and left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy) are being reviewed to determine if they render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.