Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected right hand neuropathy with scarring was denied as the evidence did not support a greater than 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to her service-connected disabilities is being remanded as additional medical inquiry is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is secondary to his service-connected low back disability, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy, as well as his TDIU claim, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a direct link between his claimed conditions and his military service or exposure to herbicides. The nerve damage is attributed to chemotherapy, not the service-connected condition.

The VA medical opinion determined that the cause of the Veteran's death (pulmonary hypertension, high blood pressure, and emphysema) was not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities. The examiner also found no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of left ear hearing loss due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues have been addressed, and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are evaluated appropriately.

The Veteran's claims have been dismissed due to the death of the claimant.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including issuance of a Statement of the Case and VA examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, as well as his left and right lower extremities, is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including headaches and hypertension, all claimed as secondary to in-service exposure to toxic chemicals. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals during a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as likely due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during military service.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the severity of his diabetes mellitus and any related complications, as well as his employability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been increased to 40 percent, effective from July 7, 2006.

For the right lower extremity prior to April 29, 2009, a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted. For the right lower extremity from April 29, 2009, a 20% evaluation is granted.,For the left lower extremity prior to April 29, 2009, a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted. For the left lower extremity from April 29, 2009, a 20% evaluation is granted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a direct link between the Veteran's military service and his current health issues.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy related to service, including as a result of cold exposure.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were denied by the RO, with a final evaluation of 20% in place since September 7, 2004.