Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's combined schedular rating for his service-connected disabilities is 60 percent, which does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records and conduct examinations to determine the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, including cellulitis of the right lower extremity, type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, renal failure, lung cancer, and hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's sural nerve neuropathies of the left and right lower extremities are rated at 10 percent each, with a combined rating of 20 percent. The conditions have been found to be service-connected based on their direct relationship to his in-service ankle surgeries.

The Board has determined that further development is required to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy, including as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a right third metacarpal fracture. The case is being remanded for an examination and additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and his claimed right carpal tunnel syndrome and right ulna neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the acquisition of updated medical records.

The Veteran's increased evaluation claim for his right wrist disability was denied, but he received a separate compensable evaluation for right hand neuropathy as a residual of the service-connected right wrist disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's statements regarding a personal assault during service in Vietnam are credible, and the preponderance of medical evidence supports an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder as a result of his claimed in-service stressors. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is granted, but no increased rating or TDIU is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, multiple blunt force injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, was not caused by any service-connected disability and denied both claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral legs, to include as due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, left wrist neuropathy, and right wrist neuropathy have been granted initial noncompensable ratings. The claim for tinnitus has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical evidence and the need for further examination of the Veteran's left wrist disability. The claim will be adjudicated again after the additional development is completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and is not related to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for certification for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeal of all claims on appeal, including the initial disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy and kidney disease, as well as erectile dysfunction.

The Board has ordered additional VA examinations to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and right lower extremity disabilities. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The Social and Industrial Survey will also be conducted to determine the impact of these disabilities on his employability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral optic neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence showing a nexus between her current eye disability and her military service.