Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for erectile dysfunction, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and coronary artery disease have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied as the conditions developed prior to November 15, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while significant, do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's diabetes and associated peripheral neuropathy are related to his military service, including considering whether early signs of diabetes were present during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation were not granted, as it was not factually ascertainable that he had peripheral neuropathy or loss of use of a creative organ prior to October 20, 2004.

The Veteran's cataracts and presbyopia are not service-connected as they are considered refractive errors. His erectile dysfunction is not found to be related to his diabetes mellitus, and there is no current diagnosis of neuropathy in either lower extremity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, treatment records review, and development of his service personnel records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and obstructive sleep apnea. The decision also granted service connection for specific phobia but assigned a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and service connection for loss of use of a creative organ as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II were denied. The Board found that the current evaluations adequately reflected the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the point that he is unable to perform his occupation, and the occupation for which he was rehabilitated has not been found unsuitable.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was granted an initial rating of 20 percent effective September 12, 2003. Initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy were also granted and remain at 0 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including rheumatoid/osteoarthritis and peripheral neuropathy. The claims are not yet resolved.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection have been addressed. The Board has granted the Veteran a 100 percent rating for PTSD, as well as an increase in his evaluation for diabetes mellitus with mild renal insufficiency, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and impotence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the record, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a signed VA examination report.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been rated at 10 percent since April 10, 2003. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current seizure disorder and that her peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and bilateral lower extremities was not incurred during active duty service. The claim for both conditions is therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling the Veteran for orthopedic and neurological examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected right leg disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus, did not render him unemployable prior to September 1, 2009. The RO denied his claim for a TDIU rating as he was found to be unemployable due to nonservice-connected factors such as arthritis and felony convictions.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that there was no evidence to support a secondary relationship between any of the claimed conditions and the Veteran's active service or service-connected diabetes mellitus.