Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection, 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, and total colostomy/ileostomy residuals were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to Agent Orange exposure or the medications prescribed in December 2003.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service. The Veteran's current disabilities were attributed to post-service events or conditions.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction, hypertension, cardiac condition, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are all found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The combined disability rating is 60% from June 20, 2002, and 100% from July 11, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable as of September 12, 2001. Effective November 14, 2002, his TDIU was granted with a rating of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left hand was incurred in service, and thus grant or deny his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tarsal tunnel syndrome/peripheral neuropathy and an increased rating for his left knee disability, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, heart disorder, dental disability, cataracts, and erectile dysfunction are denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or a relationship to service.,There is no current diagnosis of a dental disability. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy. Service connection for these conditions cannot be granted on a direct basis due to lack of evidence of an in-service injury, disease, or event and the absence of medical records showing treatment within one year after service.,The Board finds that diabetes mellitus type II is not related to active service as there is no evidence of its onset during service. The Veteran's blood pressure readings were normal at separation from service and post-service hypertension was first diagnosed years later.,Service connection for a heart disorder, cataracts, and erectile dysfunction cannot be granted on a secondary basis because diabetes mellitus type II is not a service-connected disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension (including as secondary to diabetes mellitus and exposure to herbicide agents), renal insufficiency (including as secondary to diabetes mellitus), and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The decision is based on a finding that there was no evidence of chronicity in service or a showing of continuity of symptoms after discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Sjogren's syndrome and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have resulted in a combined rating of 90 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of unemployability due to these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted, but her claim for an increased rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to assess his diabetes mellitus and retinopathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, claimed as a sympathetic nervous system disorder, and secondary to service-connected disabilities of the feet and ankles is being remanded due to representation issues and failure to readjudicate under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities during service or as a result of service. The Veteran's complaints have not been diagnosed as such by VA examiners.

The Board has determined that the appellant's COPD, bilateral hearing loss, idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, and lung cancer are presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to chemical toxins and nuclear radiation during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for polyneuropathy of the bilateral hands and feet and bladder cancer were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service, including exposure to herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, or radiation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this claim as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hypertensive cardiovascular disease is manifested by left ventricular dysfunction with an estimated ejection fraction of 50 percent, warranting a disability evaluation in excess of 60 percent. The Veteran also meets criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to his in-service exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.