Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities or a hernia, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is now service-connected for the conditions listed. He also received compensable disability ratings for his shell fragment scars of the feet and residual burn scarring of the right inner ankle. However, he did not receive a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the right medial foot and calf.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of either lower extremity as a result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are each rated at 20 percent since October 31, 2007.,Prior to October 31, 2007, the veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were each rated as 10 percent disabling. Beginning October 31, 2007, both conditions are rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and a renal disorder was denied. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and concluded that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his military service. The claim for a renal disorder was previously denied without reopening due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, gastrointestinal condition (secondary to PTSD), right foot condition, headaches, and neuropathy of the left arm. The decision also noted that tinnitus was not granted as it did not meet the criteria for a grant of service connection prior to January 4, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues and a request for an initial evaluation higher than the currently assigned 50 percent for PTSD. The Veteran has also requested a hearing before a Decision Review Officer.

The Board has restored service connection for mid back, thoracic spine strain and right ulnar neuropathy. Service connection for a cervical spine disorder was properly severed due to clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's service connection claims for neurologic disability, including peripheral neuropathy; hypertension; and erectile dysfunction are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for all issues prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been granted, but no higher ratings are warranted as they do not meet the criteria for more than moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect, as his employment was affected by physical limitations and age rather than the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and left wrist disability. The Veteran's eye disability is secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Board found no evidence of current bilateral peripheral neuropathy or bilateral hearing loss in service or due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's left wrist condition was not aggravated by service. New and material evidence has been submitted for the left wrist disability claim, which has been reopened.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence supporting a higher rating for erectile dysfunction, and the PTSD claim was also denied as there is no severe incomplete paralysis or atrophy of muscles.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss and found no basis to grant increased ratings for the other conditions. The Veteran's right thigh disability, diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are all rated as they currently stand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while stationed at Nakhon Phanom Air Force Base in Thailand, and service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted based on this exposure. The other claims of service connection are not addressed as they are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a heart condition, as well as his claim for an increased evaluation for peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran was granted service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with noncompensable evaluations effective February 28, 2006.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development and need for additional evidence.