Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2009

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, short-term memory loss, and visual floaters as due to undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's claims were reopened based on new evidence submitted since the December 1996 denial.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD is rated as 70 percent effective from March 15, 2004 to September 26, 2005. The Veteran also has separate ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand (10%) and left hand (20%).

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further action, including determining whether his diabetes mellitus should continue to be rated as a service-connected disability and adjudicating a claim for type I diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction have been granted, but the maximum benefits were not awarded.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is being remanded due to reports of worsening symptoms. The Veteran must undergo a VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for any of the claimed conditions, as there is no evidence to support a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), diabetic retinopathy, a kidney condition, and diabetic ulcers, all conditions to include as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of shrapnel fragment wound, service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, and low back disorder. The decision also noted that the Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service, which would allow for presumptive service connection.

The Board finds that the appellant has diabetes mellitus type 2, which is presumed to be due to his service in Vietnam. The Board also finds that the appellant's peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left wrist disabilities and service connection for a right knee disability were granted. The claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was not addressed due to the Board's remand.

The Veteran's right hand and arm disability, including enthesopathic findings at the right elbow with mild ulnar nerve neuropathy/entrapment, is found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted separate 20 percent ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as a complication of diabetes mellitus, effective October 30, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Veteran's final stay at Berkshire Place Nursing Home.

The Veteran's service-connected varicose veins of the right lower extremity warrant a 40 percent evaluation effective June 3, 2008. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his combined disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective date and higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied as his earliest possible effective dates are one year prior to his claim, May 20, 2004.

The Veteran's conditions, while disabling, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in September 2009.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange) in Vietnam.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated neuropathies were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.,A temporary 100 percent rating was granted, but the Veteran's overall combined rating remained at 40 percent.