Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The appeal was withdrawn by the veteran before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus with peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, to include as a result of herbicide exposure, were denied.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a neck injury, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and hepatitis A as the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted a 40 percent rating as of January 23, 2006, due to the need for regulation of activities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional compensation.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, but remanded the claims for cerebrovascular disease and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II and a compensable rating for hypertension. However, the Veteran was granted separate 20 percent ratings for diabetic neuritis of both lower extremities.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and readjudication of the claim.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected diplopia was denied due to his failure, without good cause, to report for a VA examination which was necessary for an informed adjudication of the claim.

The appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records and a supplemental VA opinion regarding the relationship between peripheral neuropathy and service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for right and left foot disabilities, bilateral leg disability, and bilateral hearing loss. Tinnitus was found to be related to service, and the claim for a right knee disability was not reopened as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The veteran's claim for a rating higher than 60 percent for impaired sphincter control and the issue of entitlement to SMC by reason of being housebound are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based upon the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy and skin cancer, but denied service connection for second and third degree burns.

The Veteran was granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining medical opinions to address whether any of the claimed conditions are related to service or have undergone an increase in severity during active military service.

The appeal is remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development, specifically to obtain deck logs from the Veteran's service aboard U.S.S. PICKING and U.S.S. BAUSELL.

The veteran's coronary artery disease and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities do not meet the criteria for higher ratings.