Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathies have been granted initial ratings of 40 percent each, effective from August 20, 2008. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board found that the Veteran's neurological disorder, including as due to herbicide exposure, is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right leg peripheral neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and social and industrial survey to determine his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the reopening of the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and mitral valve prolapse due to exposure to herbicides. Service connection is granted based on presumptive exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's bilateral weak feet were rated at 10 percent prior to January 31, 2008 and increased to 30 percent effective January 31, 2008.

The Veteran's service connection claim for frostbite and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is granted.

The Board finds that it is as likely as not the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his active service, specifically to his service-connected PTSD. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including clarification of representation and potential rescheduling of a hearing.

The Veteran's service connection claims for back disability, bilateral leg disability (peripheral neuropathy), bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability are all denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for ulnar nerve entrapment of the left and right elbows, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the fingertips, all secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to special monthly compensation based on such need.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and occupational background, as she is currently working as a home health nurse for two different agencies.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to inadequate findings regarding loss of use of the lower extremities. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment, consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was moot due to his increased rating of 100% for PTSD effective from August 13, 2001.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for athlete's foot, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy, and a lung disability (including emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.