Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, and an increased rating for low back disability were pending at the time of his death. The Board found that these claims had been denied prior to his death but remanded them with instructions to consider them under a secondary service connection analysis. As the appellant filed for accrued benefits within one year of the Veteran's death, the claims are considered on their merits.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance due to physical limitations, but not housebound. The claim for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy, which he claimed was due to exposure to Agent Orange. The decision stated that there was no evidence linking the condition to his military service or to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including an examination to assess his employability and consideration of whether he meets the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for ulnar neuropathy of the left upper extremity, finding that there is no evidence showing a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a wound infection with delayed healing of lumbar laminectomy incision and depression, finding that diabetes mellitus contributed to these conditions. The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity neuropathy and urinary incontinence are not currently service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment given his work history and educational background, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board finds that the appellant's loss of vision following bypass surgery was not caused by VA care, and thus does not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange, is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of peripheral neuropathy affecting his lower extremities were denied. The Board found that the earliest date he had entitlement to such service connection was August 25, 2003.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression with psychosis and diabetes mellitus, have significantly impaired his ability to move around. As a result, he is eligible for specially adapted housing assistance but not for a special home adaptation grant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an enlarged bladder and post-polio syndrome with peripheral neuropathy, nerves and depression, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, leg cramps, sleep problems, headaches and breathing problems. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claims.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. The issues include seeking initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, as well as seeking service connection for coronary artery disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral tinnitus, hypertension, neuropathy of the lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have chloracne, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, hyperlipidemia, or essential tremors. The claims are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes and psychiatric disorders, were denied as the evidence did not support a link to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board is remanding the case for further development due to inadequate VCAA notice and to request Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is found to be proximately due to his service-connected disabilities, and he is granted an initial 30 percent rating for ulnar neuropathy of the left forearm.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, but denied service connection for his claimed bilateral hand disability.

The Veteran's bilateral idiopathic neuropathy of the feet is attributable to service, while his metatarsalgia does not have a direct link to service.