Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective date, increased rating, and service connection are denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering the Veteran's claims of entitlement to TDIU and an increased initial evaluation for right ulnar neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral compartment syndrome status post full compartment release of the left lower leg is granted, with a rating of 20 percent. The issues regarding peripheral neuropathy are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the left upper extremity as secondary to his service-connected left wrist arthritis is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for cataracts and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss have been withdrawn. The remaining claims of increased evaluations for polyneuropathy of the four extremities are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy; and background diabetic retinopathy are granted. The claim for service connection for impotence is remanded.

The Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, at least for the period from December 4, 2007, to January 28, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran died from acute myocardial infarction, which was related to his non-service-connected diabetes and other conditions.,Compensation for peripheral neuropathy of both feet and a right hand condition is denied as these were not caused by the VA-provided treatment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining employment information and medical records. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered, as well as the evaluations for right upper extremity neuropathy, left upper extremity neuropathy, and right hip disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for impaired vision and a central nervous system disorder were denied as the evidence did not establish that these conditions are related to his military service, including exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).

The Board has denied service connection for renal cancer, disability of the spine, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and a psychiatric disorder (PTSD) as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell carcinoma, type II diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. The appeals were based on unsubstantiated allegations of exposure to ionizing radiation or herbicides during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for separate ratings for any neurological disorder(s) associated with his service-connected lumbar spine disability and denied entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus associated with herbicide exposure, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy and persistent foot ulcers, status post left great toe amputation is dismissed due to finality of previous rating decisions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rate of SMC on the basis of the need for aid and attendance of another person for purposes of accrued benefits, finding that evidence in VA's possession at the time of the Veteran's death was insufficient to establish a factual need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, except for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The TDIU claim is also pending.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no current diagnosis of these conditions.,For the claim of service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy, the Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine if the condition is related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his ulnar neuropathy disabilities and thyroid disability have been denied. The RO has assigned noncompensable or initial compensable ratings based on the criteria provided.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.