Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and because adjudication of his diabetes mellitus claim may impact the adjudication of his peripheral neuropathy claim. Additionally, a VA medical examination is needed for his hepatitis C disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and heart disability are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, presumed due to Agent Orange exposure during his Vietnam service, was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his service-connected tuberculosis or active duty service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected residuals of an excision of an osteoma of the left iliac crest, including lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for peripheral vascular disease of the upper and lower extremities, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, have been denied. The Veteran's hypertension has not met the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating for hypertension, service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, and service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus have all been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the right hand is rated at 70 percent, and his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus is rated at a higher level than initially assigned.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's intrinsic neuropathy, claimed as pinched nerves in the feet, was incurred during active service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as his claim for an increased rating for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, were denied. The Veteran was granted a compensable (20%) rating for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity effective June 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Veteran's psoriasis has been granted service connection. The Board also found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected psoriasis, but did not make a final determination on this issue.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy, to include subacute peripheral neuropathy of the feet, due to exposure to Agent Orange was denied as there is no evidence that his current condition is related to his military service or to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left eye optic neuropathy and left jaw/mandible fracture are not related to his service in the military, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for daily personal needs without regular assistance from others or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of his daily environment, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as her peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, status-post carpal tunnel release, does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent beginning September 28, 2005.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, osteoporosis, bilateral heel spurs, a skin disorder (rash), and peripheral neuropathy were all denied. The Board found no current evidence of these conditions meeting VA criteria for disability.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was initially granted but not rated compensably prior to June 12, 2008. Effective that date, he is entitled to a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is reasonably related to his active service, and the Board has determined that there is a causal connection between the Veteran's current condition and exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected optic neuropathy of the left eye is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the medical evidence does not support a higher evaluation as he has normal vision in his right eye.