Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has not been shown to meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation, and thus his claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is denied as there is no objective evidence of this condition. The claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and erectile dysfunction is also denied as the current disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed because they have died, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate their claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral eye disorder (optic neuropathy) is service-connected, as it was incurred during his military service due to a close proximity to an exploding bomb.

The Board is remanding the case for further development due to a change in the hearing VLJ and the appellant's request for a video conference hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of the severity to render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a grant of TDIU.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's service treatment records and requested translations for certain documents in the file. The case is being returned to the RO for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for certification for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only due to his inability to use his lower extremities, despite having significant disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which includes spinal stenosis with degenerative disc disease and neuropathy of the right lower extremity, does not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating than the currently assigned 60 percent.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to have been incurred in active military service due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy and vision loss secondary to diabetes mellitus are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to address the etiology of his claimed disabilities and to clarify the nature and severity of his service-connected left ulnar neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's diabetes required insulin and restricted diet, but not regulation of activities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic bronchitis with COPD, frostbite injuries to both feet, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left hip arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss were granted effective September 27, 2002. His claim for tinnitus was granted effective August 17, 2006.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities; diabetes mellitus; hypertension; benign prostatic hypertrophy; and veneral disease claimed as syphilis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy and sleep apnea are being remanded to the RO for additional development of his medical records and for VA examinations.

The Veteran is found to be precluded from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, which have rendered him unable to work.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted a 40 percent disability evaluation, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurological disability, including CMT and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, was granted. The claims for increased ratings for right and left retropatellar pain syndrome were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of addressing the opinion from Dr. Knapp regarding actual causation.