Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Board finds that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is likely due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board also found that the service-connected diabetes mellitus did not cause or aggravate the residuals of a left wrist fracture, status post left wrist fusion.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral radial neuropathy has been rated at 20 percent since May 1988. The June 2009 VA examination confirmed the mild to moderate nature of his condition, with no more than mild incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper and both lower extremities is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. His increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and a chip fracture of the left first metacarpal joint are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The case is being remanded for additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining missing service treatment records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities were granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned for each. The decision also noted that the Veteran had previously been granted service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for this benefit.

The Veteran's right upper extremity condition is not deemed to be caused by VA care, and the Board finds that no fault on VA's part occurred.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and review of relevant regulations.

The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity warrants a higher 20 percent rating, while his right lower extremity condition does not warrant a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and determination of whether his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee disorder was found to be related to his service-connected left knee disorder, but the lumbar spine disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are not considered service connected. Service connection for Parkinson's disease due to in-service herbicide exposure is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance was granted with an effective date of September 8, 2005. The claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for loss of use of either hand or foot.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine his eligibility for specially adapted housing and adaptive equipment benefits due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hand disability is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.