Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for neuropathy and heart disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating for his right wrist disability from April 12, 2007 to August 7, 2008 was denied as the evidence did not show that the condition warranted a higher rating. Since October 1, 2008, the Veteran's right wrist disability has been rated at 30 percent disabling.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to service, and his retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy are not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy with peripheral vascular disease of the right and left lower extremities has been rated at 40 percent since March 17, 2008.

The Board denied service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus with neuropathy, finding no evidence of a diagnosis during service or within the first year after separation, and rejecting the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the hands and initial rating for lumbar spinal stenosis due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and determine entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the lower extremities.

The Board found that the Veteran's son, G.B., was not permanently incapable of self-support at age 18 due to his medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The evidence did not establish permanent incapacity prior to reaching the age of 18.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation for loss of use of both feet and additional allowance for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a genitourinary disorder is denied as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis. The claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were denied as there was no prior claim or evidence of entitlement to these benefits before the assigned effective dates.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, his peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated at 40 percent, his erectile dysfunction is rated as noncompensable, and his nuclear cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are each rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial extraschedular evaluation for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II, with cataracts, impotence, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. The decision found that the disability picture was contemplated by the rating schedule.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic skin disorder, headaches, and neuropathy in the bilateral lower extremities were denied. The Board found no evidence of current diagnoses or manifestations of these conditions during service or post-service. Service connection was not granted as there is insufficient evidence to link any diagnosed conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and hypertension, are not related to his military service or service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board found no nexus between the Veteran's active military service and his current hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, or diabetic retinopathy. The appeal was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated at a combined 60 percent, and the Board denied his claim for TDIU as he does not meet the schedular requirements.