Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities. The claims will be reconsidered in light of all pertinent evidence and legal authority.

The Veteran's death was not due to his own willful misconduct, and he had a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling for at least one year immediately preceding his death. However, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 because his total disability rating was not in effect for at least ten years prior to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current disabilities.

The Board granted separate initial compensable evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities associated with service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy/polyneuropathy is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus and hammertoe deformity, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy was not found to be related to his service, including presumed exposure to herbicides. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the lower extremities, as it was not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected lumbosacral strain-myositis with degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities was granted, with a rating of 10 percent each. The effective date is September 26, 2003.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and service connection for obesity have been withdrawn. The issues of Special Monthly Compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance and specially adapted housing are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine if the appellant needs regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to disability. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and dermatitis due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran was not diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in his records or at his hearing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and a cardiovascular disorder, finding that there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other factors linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current radiculopathy or peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities that are service-connected, as her conditions did not manifest during active duty or within a presumptive period. The Board also found no evidence to support secondary service connection based on pre-existing disabilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for entitlement to special monthly pension based upon the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as she is able to perform daily activities independently.

The Veteran's service connection claim for left hand ulnar neuropathy and flexor tendon laceration is denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran's increased rating claim for post-operative residuals of palmar fibromatosis, right hand is also denied due to failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; cardiovascular disability; cataracts; and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that these conditions were not related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower extremity disability, alternately claimed as peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease and restless leg syndrome is being remanded due to the need for further examination and clarification of certain medical records.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The left ear hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found no evidence of peripheral neuropathy or anemia due to service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for these conditions.