Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to make him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable due to their severity, as he is able to perform substantially gainful employment despite his disabilities.

The Veteran's onychomycosis of the toes is service-connected, and his peripheral vascular disease, polyneuropathy, and arthritis of the knees are not service-connected due to lack of a nexus. His loss of bone (maxilla) for compensation purposes due to injury involving #7 and #8 teeth is also service-connected.

The appellant's claim for pension benefits was denied due to his countable annual income exceeding the established limit. The request to reopen the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, now status post bilateral below the knee amputations is remanded.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is rated at 10 percent, but does not meet criteria for a higher rating as there is no evidence of more than mild impairment.

The Veteran is over the age of 65 and has a combined non-service-connected disability rating of 90 percent, meeting the criteria for special monthly pension based on housebound status.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, bilateral knee disability, and left ankle disability as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is reopened but service connection is not granted.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent effective September 21, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and diabetic nephropathy with aggravated essential hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs or protect himself from the hazards of his environment, such that he requires the regular aid and attendance of another person. He does not have loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet or hands, nor ankylosis of one or both knees or hips due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the claims have been granted and effective dates assigned by a May 2009 rating decision.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and there is no evidence to support a grant of service connection based on herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran is eligible for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing and necessary adaptive equipment due to his service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and CVA.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, but denied service connection for a skin disability. The decision is mixed as it grants some claims and denies others.

The Veteran's left wrist compression neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The Board has determined that the disability does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's polyneuropathy is related to his service, specifically exposure to DDT and arsenic during his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice, the need for VA examinations, and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction was denied as his erectile dysfunction did not result in penile deformity, and therefore, no compensable rating could be assigned.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding no evidence linking the condition to service or exposure to ionizing radiation.