Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neurological manifestations of the lower extremities, diagnosed as mild peripheral neuropathy of the feet, are not a result of his service-connected low back disability. Therefore, an additional and separate rating for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction were denied. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings based on his current symptoms.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, low energy and fatigue, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and psychiatric disability. These conditions are found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper, left lower, and right lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for ulnar neuropathy of the left elbow and chronic allergic rhinitis, finding that these conditions began during active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disorder and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy did not manifest until many years after service, and are not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his VA treatment records and SSA disability decision.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Halifax Health Medical Center on June 29, 2009 and June 30, 2009 were denied as the treatment was not rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health. VA facilities were located within reasonable distance from his home but he did not attempt to use them.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, claimed as a result of exposure to herbicides, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his alleged Vietnam service and potential exposure. The Veteran's request for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current nature, extent and severity of his diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. The RO must also consider whether separate compensable ratings are warranted for renal and eye impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ulnar neuropathy at the right elbow is not related to his active service or any service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities is not related to his service, including frostbite experienced during active duty. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the feet are each rated at 10 percent. The claims for higher ratings have been denied.

The Board found no evidence of a causal link between the Veteran's military service, including presumed Agent Orange exposure, and his current peripheral neuropathy. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for residuals of a left clavicle fracture were denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current disabilities to active duty service or a service-connected condition.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, a heart condition, hypertension, and hepatitis A. The Veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the right and left feet, as well as diabetes mellitus, are currently rated at 40 percent. The Board finds that these ratings are not in accordance with the evidence presented.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and peripheral neuropathy of each extremity due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred due to exposure to herbicide agents.