Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and its complications were denied as the evidence did not show that he met all eligibility criteria on the effective date of the liberalizing law.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for residuals of trench foot with bilateral peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities and cold injuries to the right and left hands with residuals of neuropathy, as the evidence did not support an effective date prior to March 4, 2004.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for Achilles tendonitis, gastrointestinal bleed, left shoulder condition, peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status, and evaluation in excess of 10 percent disabling for chronic myopathy secondary to the use of steroids for a service connected disability.

The veteran's arteriosclerosis status post bypass, cerebrovascular disease and strokes, neuropathy, and myocardial infarction are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease, and a chronic respiratory disorder. The veteran's hypertension was also not increased in severity beyond its natural progression.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, finding no evidence of a causal link to his active service.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both legs was rated at 10 percent prior to August 22, 2002, and 20 percent from that date, but no higher. The Board found the evidence did not support a rating in excess of these levels.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with polyneuropathy and hypertension with hypertensive retinopathy do not warrant higher ratings, but his hypertensive cardiovascular disease warrants a 30 percent rating.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was granted service connection, while his cold injury residuals (neuropathy) were denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support higher evaluations or additional service-connected benefits.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, alcohol dependence, substance-induced mood disorder and opiate and benzodiazepine abuse, right knee condition, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (claimed as a right leg condition), stomach condition, and residuals of tinea pedis treatment (claimed as jungle rot of the feet) were denied.

The veteran's prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disorder, stomach disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, heart disease, hypertension, and eye disorder and loss of visual acuity.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the veteran's lumbar spine disability due to a lack of medical evidence supporting a relationship between the two conditions.

The veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to his disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right, left upper, and lower extremities as well as a low back disability. The veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, chronic neck and hip disabilities, bilateral tendonitis, bilateral heel disability, left ear hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic eye disability. However, it granted service connection for a skin disability due to in-service exposure to sunlight and chemical irritants.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20% for DM or ratings greater than 10% prior to August 2006, and no more than 30% since that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected arthritis, lumbar spine, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities.