Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as his condition did not require regulation of activities and had not resulted in episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations.

The Veteran's current bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is caused, at least in part, by his now service-connected hypertension. The Board has therefore granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and a TDIU are being remanded due to new evidence provided by the Veteran, including a survey from his physician and a vocational assessment. The Board will schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for the residuals of a left index finger laceration have been withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, including as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran alleges exposure while aboard ship in blue waters off the coast of Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to service-connected diabetes and has also determined that the Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral foot neuropathy effective January 7, 2002. The Veteran's initial claim was denied in May 1969 and reopened multiple times with the most recent reopening occurring in July 2000.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is denied, and his combined disability rating in excess of 40 percent is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to various disabilities, and a remand is required for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease, characterized by peripheral neuropathy and diminished facial strength, was granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent effective June 23, 2003. The associated neurological residuals were also rated accordingly.

The case is being remanded to obtain additional opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability and his bilateral peripheral neuropathies of the lower extremities. The claims will be readjudicated after these opinions are obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and issuance of a statement of the case on his service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or on account of being housebound has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was not shown to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, CVA residuals, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 1, 2006. His combined disability rating is 70 percent from that date.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension, adjustment disorder, or diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities. The reduction of the prostate cancer rating was upheld.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities were denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure or a link to service.

The Board has expanded the claim to include potential PTSD-related pathology, and the case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and its relationship to his alcohol dependence.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as not related to service.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for any of the claimed conditions due to lack of in-service exposure and insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service.