Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated based on their direct effects without any additional service connection or presumption.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The claims for neuropathy of the face and back as well as increased evaluations for neuropathy in the lower extremities are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis or etiology linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for patellofemoral pain syndrome and sensorimotor peroneal neuropathy of the right knee, as these conditions are not linked to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, with effective dates prior to December 6, 2004. The Veteran was also awarded a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, effective February 24, 2006. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the hands and feet, and a lung disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent prior to January 11, 2011 and the claim for a higher rating from that date has been granted. Service connection for neuropathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to his service-connected low back disability has also been established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination for arthritis of the bilateral hips.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to exposure to acoustic trauma during service, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence of a right upper extremity disability for several years after service, and the most persuasive opinion evidence to address the question of whether there exists a nexus between the appellant's in-service wrist pain and his current carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is adverse to the claim. Similarly, there is no credible evidence of a left upper extremity disability for several years after service, and the most persuasive opinion evidence to address the question of whether there exists a nexus between the appellant's in-service wrist pain and his current motor neuropathy of the left upper extremity is adverse to the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been granted for accrued benefits purposes. The initial rating for PTSD is 30 percent, and the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran now suffers from peripheral neuropathy and whether it is related to his military service or chemical dioxin exposure.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support the presence of peripheral neuropathy within the first post-service year and that a preponderance of the competent and probative evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus caused or aggravated his claimed peripheral neuropathy. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for both the residuals of cold injuries to the bilateral lower extremities and restless leg syndrome, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's exposure to cold weather during his combat service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to decide the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities has not resulted in any functional impairment warranting a compensable rating since January 7, 2009.

The Board determined that the reduction of the Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy rating from 40 percent to 10 percent was not proper, and restored the original 40 percent rating effective July 1, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected upper and lower extremity neuropathies have not met the criteria for increased evaluations as of the dates specified.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to March 1, 2008. The issues for increased ratings of diabetic neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities remain denied.,Diabetic neuropathy of the right and left feet are currently rated at 10 percent each.