Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, finding that it is at least as likely as not aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's hypertension and peroneal neuropathy of the lower extremities were found to be incurred in service, with no presumption or exposure basis applied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot disability and upper extremity neuropathy are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a current musculoskeletal or orthopedic condition related to his active service. The currently diagnosed neurological conditions are found to be directly related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected lower extremity small fiber neuropathy and to determine if he is unemployable due to his disabilities. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed lumbar spine disability and neuropathy of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's skin disorder, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were not shown in service or for several years thereafter and have not been causally related to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney failure and neuropathy, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for kidney failure and denying service connection for neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and have denied all of his claims.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for the other conditions listed, including back disability and residuals of a left eye disability, is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to tend to the basic functions of self-care without regular assistance from another person and vulnerable to the hazards and dangers incident to his environment, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of his service connection claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been granted. Effective dates are assigned based on the date of receipt of his claims.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein, nor is it secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based upon the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected left ulnar neuropathy and scars of the left elbow was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was currently assigned.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examination and lack of rationale in the July 2007 VA examination report.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case will be dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus and associated small fiber neuropathy, as well as his degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, were found to be aggravated by service-connected right ankle disability. The temporary total rating for convalescence was extended from June 1, 2004, through August 31, 2004.