Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance since a year prior to the date of claim, leading to SMC at the K-1 level from July 29, 2004. After August 31, 2010, he was granted SMC at the L level based on his need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of injuries sustained in an explosion, pneumonia (claimed as residuals of pneumonia), and TDIU. The claim for increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for left-sided ulnar neuropathy, which he claims is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current left-sided ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right leg neuropathy, and respiratory disorder have been denied.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy have been rated at the minimum (10%) level, reflecting mild impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a VA opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's renal cancer and CIPD were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor are they related to any inservice exposure. Service connection is denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for lymphatic cancer and neuropathy of the left forearm and wrist. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify his claimed exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, as well as to determine if he had any duty in the Republic of Vietnam. He also seeks service connection for neuropathy of the left forearm and wrist on a secondary basis due to his service-connected residuals of a left shoulder injury.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been rated at 20 percent since March 11, 2010.

The Board granted service connection for headaches, but denied hypertension and peripheral neuropathy claims. The decision is based on reopening of the headache claim due to new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating as his condition is managed by an oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet without requiring regulation of activities or use of insulin.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was denied as there is no evidence that his condition began in or is related to his military service. The TDIU claim was also denied due to insufficient evidence showing he is unemployable solely because of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and adjudicating his claim of service connection for a heart disorder.

The VA determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities was not caused by or aggravated by VA treatment, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a neck disorder, left hip and right hip disorders, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, artery condition of the left leg, and amputation of the 4th and 5th toes of the left foot were all denied. The claims for hypertension, colon condition, heart condition (including atrial fibrillation), erectile dysfunction, prostate condition, kidney disorder, and skin condition were also denied in a final rating decision from February 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including determining if he was exposed to Agent Orange during service and providing an opinion on the cause of his neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spines, peripheral neuropathy, and skin cancer have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or on inland waterways where he could be presumed exposed to herbicides.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examination. The appeal will be returned to the RO/AMC for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, all claimed as a result of herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service in Thailand did not involve any known use of tactical herbicides.