Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, left and right lower extremities, is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus. As such, these claims are granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which is now granted.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing defect worsened during his active duty service. The claims for unidentified particles in the blood, asbestosis, and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions at any time pertinent to this appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neurological condition of the bilateral lower extremities, including peripheral neuropathy and residuals of a right foot neuroma, as it was not caused or aggravated by active service, including as due to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy effective September 21, 2010. The Veteran's upper extremities remain rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet any criterion for a certificate of eligibility for a grant for special home adaptation. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from meeting the criteria for specially adapted housing, but he does not qualify for a special home adaptation grant due to lack of visual acuity or loss of use of hands.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and related complications are denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to Agent Orange or any other herbicide. The Veteran was not diagnosed with hypertension until decades after service, and no medical professional has associated the diagnosis with his military service.

The Veteran is entitled to an increased level of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including renal insufficiency with nephrotic syndrome, left eye blindness, right below the knee amputation, anatomical loss of left foot status post above-the-knee amputation and loss of use of right hand, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, left upper extremity polyneuropathy (non-dominant), hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and diabetic retinopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a comprehensive examination to assess his ability to work given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and records, as well as clarification of private audiometry results.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and an addendum opinion regarding his hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy, and skin condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, to include as due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records, as well as a review of existing VA treatment records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy have increased in severity, and a new VA examination is needed to determine their impact on his employability.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to service-connected disabilities is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's cause of death, hepatocellular carcinoma, is not service-connected. The Board finds that the Veteran's death was unrelated to his service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities was not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his active military service, including presumed in-service herbicide exposure. The Board found no evidence supporting a secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral upper and lower extremities is caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus disability, which is granted.

The Veteran's medical expenses at Shenandoah Medical Center from October 8 to October 9, 2010 are eligible for payment or reimbursement as the care was provided in an emergent situation and VA facilities were not feasibly available.