Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to the service-connected degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has determined that a disability rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted for the Veteran's residuals of a laceration of the left forearm, involving Muscle Group VII. The current rating reflects a moderate disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, with a 20 percent rating effective September 28, 2012 and a 40 percent rating since then.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of adequate rationale in the VA examiner's opinion. Additional medical records are needed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35 remains on appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II, did not have its onset during service or within one year of discharge and is not otherwise related to her military service. The peripheral neuropathy was also not shown to be caused by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The Board has also granted the requested TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical and development of VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities reasonably result in his requiring assistance with a number of his activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and food preparation, and he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect himself from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance are met.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right leg has been rated at 40 percent since February 15, 2012. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity neurological disability, to include peripheral neuropathy, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination and obtaining medical records.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment is being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records needing to be obtained, as well as a need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities has been established, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, chronic renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, all due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of his lumbar spine disability, peripheral neuropathy, and bowel/bladder impairment, and addressing whether service connection should be restored for type II diabetes mellitus with early diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for left eye optic neuropathy and glaucoma, finding that these conditions are secondary to a pre-existing chalazion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine if the aggregate effect of his service-connected disabilities precludes him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and issuance of a statement of the case on several issues.