Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected conditions, and therefore, the claim for service connection for cause of death is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active service. The decision also addressed peripheral neuropathy and atrial fibrillation, finding them secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's lower extremity neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent for each leg, with resolution of reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various peripheral neuropathies and erectile dysfunction, as well as his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II is denied as his condition does not warrant a higher than 20 percent rating. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy, upper and lower extremities, to include as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for heart condition and hypertension were denied. The claim to reopen his peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity, was granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including status post lipoma excision of the left shoulder and chloracne, to include as due to herbicide exposure, was denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities associated with any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left cheek scar is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports the existence of a current disability and its etiology to in-service injury.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective September 30, 2006. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.,A separate 20 percent rating has been granted for left upper extremity neuropathy associated with the cervical spine disability since September 30, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran, and his widow requested substitution as the appellant. The issue of entitlement to service connection for high cholesterol has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral foot neuropathy and tarsal tunnel syndrome is granted. The increased rating claim for fungal infection of the feet with left foot residuals remains pending.

All claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted. The Veteran's service-connected peripheral vascular disease is rated at 40 percent effective June 26, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is a manifestation of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection of chronic sensory neuropathy of the feet, which he contends started in service. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding whether any current foot disability is related to service and whether it was aggravated by ACDUTRA service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted and are set at 10 percent from December 2, 2005.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for small fiber neuropathy, idiopathic (claimed as peripheral neuropathy), to include as due to herbicide exposure. The case is being returned for further development and consideration.

The Board finds that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service, including as due to exposure to herbicides. The claim is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, and hepatitis C during the October 2013 hearing on appeal.

The Veteran's chronic conditions, including lymphedema of the left leg, diabetes mellitus type II, and spinal stenosis, require regular aid and attendance from another person. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues regarding hypertension and coronary artery disease were not addressed.