Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a low back disorder, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, right lumbar radioculopathy, and other conditions, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his physical limitations and mental health issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper extremity and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as his claim for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure, have not been substantiated. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to in-service acoustic trauma. His right ear hearing loss is also found to be related to service. No new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for bilateral upper extremity and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy or left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's TDIU claim was withdrawn during his August 2011 hearing.

The Veteran's residuals of a fracture of the right radius are currently rated at 20 percent, and his right ulnar neuropathy is rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for circulatory problems, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity neuropathy, and right and left lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to medications taken for a service-connected low back disability. Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss and sinus condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as diabetes mellitus, type II, has been denied due to a lack of current disability evidence.

The Veteran's SMC claim for need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status due to service-connected disabilities has been denied as there is no evidence showing he requires such assistance.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral foot conditions are not related to his military service and therefore denies his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further verification of the Veteran's periods of service, including any potential federalized service in February 1992. The claims for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), type II diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right tibia fracture residuals and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board finds that the Veteran's alcohol dependence is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for left lower extremity alcoholic neuropathy and right lower extremity alcoholic neuropathy.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is related to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board has also found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability is not attributable to service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for radicular neuropathy of the right upper extremity.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in November 2011.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examination and evidence, as well as to address the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his upper extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his inability to use both lower extremities without aid.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel/ulnar neuropathy of both upper extremities is related to her military service, and thus service connection is granted.