Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the initial evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the creative organ, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease with hypertension, and service connection for diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic condition manifested by poor circulation of the lower extremities and/or lower extremity neuropathy was denied as there is no medical evidence showing he currently has such conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and whether it is related to service or any other conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. The Board also finds that the Veteran has bilateral lower extremity peripheral vascular disease and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy that are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right foot is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of bilateral hands and feet is incurred as a result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with end stage renal disease, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic gastroparesis, and coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that has not been reviewed by the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a computer under Chapter 31, finding that it is not necessary to assist him in functioning independently or in the community.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD, service connection for peripheral neuropathy, and skin disability were denied by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disorder, and cataracts are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions.,No new or material evidence was presented to reopen the claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his complete personnel file and verifying any temporary duty in Vietnam. The Veteran is also asked to provide information about stressor events he experienced during service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed for the issues of arthritis bilateral hands, low back disorder with arthritis, peripheral neuropathy lower extremity, bilateral knee condition secondary to low back problem, and arthritis bilateral rib cage. The claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The appeals were based on secondary service connection to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective April 9, 2002. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for VA examinations and records, including Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tremors are secondary to his chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, which is a residual of herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which included carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, left ulnar neuropathy, and fracture of the left humerus with traumatic arthritis, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board found that his combined rating qualified for consideration of a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 1996, reflecting the severity of his symptoms and impairment.