Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both feet, finding that it is due to herbicide exposure in service. The issue of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for dermatitis of both feet will be addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertensive vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy were denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service onset. The Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish exposure to herbicides, which would have allowed him to claim presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim of hypertension secondary to diabetes was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including clarification of stressor claims and VA examinations to determine the relationship between his disabilities and service.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy has resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities, warranting a 100% rating. He is also entitled to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his condition. Additionally, he is eligible for financial assistance in purchasing a specially adapted automobile or other conveyance.

The Veteran's post-traumatic peripheral neuropathy, right cervical area, C3-C4, manifests in pain and modest sensory loss. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating than 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 8411.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities have been denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during his period of active duty.

The Board found no evidence of a left chest wall injury in service and concluded that the current post-traumatic neuropathy is not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are currently evaluated at 20 percent each, while his residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right posterior thigh with right knee arthritis is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board finds that these evaluations adequately reflect the severity of the disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back degenerative disc disease with bilateral neuropathy to the legs had its onset in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on May 17, 2008 were for a medical emergency of such severity that delay would have been hazardous to his health. The closest VA facility was not feasibly available due to the Veteran's inability to drive.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right great toe with peripheral neuropathy was denied. The claims for service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, as well as for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, were also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing in-service noise exposure.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete service records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower extremity pain, including as secondary to his service-connected chronic low back strain, neither originated in nor is directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, Type II diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the feet have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a skin disorder and eye disability, all of which were deemed not related to service or secondary to exposure to chemical dioxins. The claim for peripheral neuropathy was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and herbicide exposure or military service. The claim for peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus was also denied as it is not based on a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and there is no evidence linking it to active service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, chloracne, and diabetes mellitus were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. The claim for neuropathy is reopened but service connection is not granted due to lack of a nexus between the current condition and service.