Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2011

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his left elbow disabilities, finding that a 30 percent evaluation was not sufficient to reflect the severity of his ulnar neuropathy and DJD.

The Veteran's hypertension was found to be presumptively incurred during active military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is granted a 100 percent evaluation for chronic renal insufficiency effective June 1, 2003. The claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities did not manifest during service or is otherwise related to active duty. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy was incurred in service, including as due to presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for several service-connected disabilities and a TDIU. The RO has remanded these claims due to the need for further development, including reexaminations and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of his upper and lower extremities was not caused or aggravated by service or a service-connected condition, including diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and left ulnar neuropathy.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is currently rated at 50 percent, and his left ulnar neuropathy is rated at 30 percent. The claim for service connection for hypotension has been denied.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within the presumptive period for Agent Orange exposure, and denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral lower extremities is related to his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus. The claim for hypertension secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus will be remanded due to insufficient examination and incomplete evidence.

The Veteran's GERD is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to herbicides. However, the current disorder was not linked to his military service and there is no evidence of a link between other claimed conditions and service.

The Board has granted an initial 20 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, effective from September 23, 2002. The Veteran's radiculopathy is rated under DC 8521 (neuritis) combined with DC 5243 (lumbosacral strain), resulting in a total rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from attending to the needs of nature, caring for himself, and/or protecting himself from the hazards of his environment. The criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance have been met.

The Board denied service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The Veteran's claims are remanded to obtain additional medical records from Dr. Singh.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. The Board finds that he likely went ashore while stationed aboard his ship, thus qualifying for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Florida Hospital Flagler on October 25, 2009 is granted. The treatment was deemed necessary due to the urgency and severity of his symptoms, which included palpitations and shortness of breath.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and loss of use of both feet due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy was not proper, as there is no evidence showing the Veteran set foot in Vietnam or had exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service-connected status post excision left foot neuroma is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5284 for moderate disability. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms and impairment.