Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Board restored service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and granted a 10 percent evaluation for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for updated VCAA notice.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection for refractive error, or higher initial evaluations for peripheral neuropathy or diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and proper notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and both lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, as there was no evidence showing they combined to cause death. The appeal is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's back condition, bilateral leg numbness, and skin cancer were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection for hearing loss was previously denied in 1991 and reopened based on new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical examination to determine if the Veteran has current peripheral neuropathy or residuals of bamboo poisoning, and whether these conditions are related to service. The claims will be readjudicated after any additional development is completed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left distal peroneal neuropathy of the left lower extremity, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, with hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, rectal abscess, retinopathy, and renal insufficiency, was not incurred or aggravated by service, including as due to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for sensory neuropathy of his right and left thighs, finding that the evidence did not show a marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 10, 2003 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been denied as there is no evidence showing he was unable to work solely due to his service-connected disabilities before that date.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, which he claims is related to his active service and/or his service-connected coronary artery disease. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD due to sexual trauma during service was granted. The issue of an increased rating for neuropathy of the left superficial peroneal nerve remains pending as its status is unknown.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is not related to active service, including as due to a cold injury to the feet in service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be proximately due to and/or the result of his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. His peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities is currently evaluated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left arm neuropathy and a left elbow disability, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.