Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC at the 'o' level due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the feet and hands are denied. The Board found no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service or VA treatment, including chemotherapy.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than November 29, 2010 for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was denied as there is no evidence that the disability arose prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current chronic left foot disorder, low back degenerative arthritis, and right hip degenerative arthritis with sciatic neuropathy are not related to his period of service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus or peripheral neuropathy in service, and the Veteran's statements regarding these conditions were not credible. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) was denied as there is no verified stressor consistent with his active service. Coronary artery disease was also denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam. The Board granted service connection for this condition and assigned a 60% disability rating. Service connection was also granted for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities based on presumptive exposure to herbicides. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his combined disability rating.

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not require regular aid and attendance, as he is able to perform most daily activities without assistance.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and degenerative joint disease of the right ankle were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new evaluations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 4, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities warrants a disability rating no higher than 10 percent in each case, as there is no evidence of more severe impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's back condition is service-connected.,Glaucoma was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities was improper, and restored service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the addition of relevant, non-duplicative evidence and the need for additional VA examination. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an examination to determine if the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy is related to a cold weather injury during service. The issue of service connection remains on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right hand and left hand as secondary to service-connected PTSD with secondary alcohol dependence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and supraventricular tachycardia secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for ulnar neuropathy and osteoarthritis of the right upper extremity due to additional development needed, including obtaining private treatment records.