Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD claim was granted, and he received a 20 percent evaluation for his peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity. The claims for hypertension and sleep apnea were also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and a skin condition, both presumed due to herbicide exposure, are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and bilateral extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to hepatitis C. The Veteran's TDIU claim is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for the lower back disability and higher initial ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus status post nissen fundoplication, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that his skin cancer, diabetes mellitus, type 2, hypertension, peripheral neuropathies, or erectile dysfunction are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension as caused by herbicide exposure and secondary to diabetes mellitus, and denied service connection for neuropathy of the hands, legs, and feet as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's contentions were not supported by medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the appellant's claims, including clarification on whether he wishes to pursue his claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and an eye disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of PTSD, and the other conditions were not shown to be related to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus type II, have rendered him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted SMC based on this need.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the statutory duration requirements for a total disability rating at the time of his death, and therefore DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 were denied.

The Veteran's May 2008 VA Form 9 was untimely, and the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, heart disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, and peripheral neuropathy were denied. The claim for hepatitis C was granted but the Veteran is not entitled to an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus or erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied a separate compensable evaluation for peripheral neuropathy of the feet, as associated with service-connected type II diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim for PTSD and optic neuritis of the right eye was not addressed in this decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. The evidence shows that on 'bad days,' he requires assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and taking medications.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance of another person is established, based on his multiple disabilities including seizure disorder, hypertension, diabetes, chronic renal insufficiency, degenerative disc disease, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and diabetic neuropathy. As a result, SMP benefits are granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy and weakness in the upper and lower extremities is being remanded due to incomplete opinions from a previous VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hand and right shoulder disabilities, including pain with mild ulnar neuropathy at the elbow and chronic tendonitis of the right shoulder, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right upper extremity disability, finding that it is due to his service-connected cervical spondylosis. The claim of entitlement to compensation under 38 C.F.R. § 1151 for a right leg disability remains pending.