Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity. The esophageal condition claim was also denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for left eye optic neuropathy and/or glaucoma, which he claims are related to a service-connected chalazion. The case has been remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the inservice trauma caused his current condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of additional functional impairment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and his diabetic neuropathy of the feet warrants separate 10 percent ratings. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be at least as likely as not caused by or a result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran does not have PTSD due to uncorroborated claimed stressors. Service connection for coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction, secondary to DM, is granted since July 9, 2001.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder with headaches, left knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and bilateral foot disorder have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and Social Security Administration records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and a neurological disorder of the bilateral lower extremities, including polyneuropathy and tarsal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was found to be aggravated by active service, while his current neurological disorder is considered to have been caused or worsened by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was granted. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy and hypertension were denied, but service connection for PTSD was granted with a 50% evaluation effective September 7, 2006. The earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is maintained at July 12, 2004.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted effective from May 22, 2006. The Board found that the evidence did not show an earlier date when he became unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and thus grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are related to his service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance (RH insurance) due to his non-service-connected disabilities, including COPD and multiple strokes, which rendered him not in 'good health'.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records and inadequate examination for the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while significant, do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. As a result, the claim for secondary service connection was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to determine if he was exposed to herbicides and pesticides in Thailand, which could affect his diabetes mellitus claim. The remaining issues will be reviewed after this determination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.