Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for a video conference hearing, as the Veteran requested one but no such hearing was scheduled. The claims related to diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are being reopened due to new evidence.

The Veteran's initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were granted at 20 percent effective March 9, 2010. The Board found that his symptoms prior to this date did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and residuals of a left eye injury were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure of the Veteran to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with his service connection claims. The appeal is now pending again and will be reconsidered after the Veteran completes the required examination.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected left knee disability was denied as the combined disability rating for disabilities of the left lower extremity exceeded the maximum allowed by law.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on claimed loss of use of the voice is denied as he has not experienced complete organic aphonia with constant inability to communicate by speech during the appellate period.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy and cold injury residuals of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding that there is credible evidence of continuity of symptoms since active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current eye disabilities are not related to his active service and therefore denied service connection for bilateral eye disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and securing treatment records. The issues of service connection are the primary focus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and conducting a medical opinion regarding whether any service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right rotator cuff tear, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 4, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of TDIU is granted, as the evidence shows he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities since March 27, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a result of combat stressors during his active duty military service. The Veteran was diagnosed with toe fungus in both feet and peripheral neuropathy in multiple extremities, including those related to herbicide exposure. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria to establish entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, or bilateral leg disability. The April 2009 rating decision denying service connection for a heart disability is final.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a review by an appropriate VA medical professional to clarify whether the Veteran has separate psychiatric disorders and if so, whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as her conditions did not meet the criteria for higher schedular ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy is granted as the Veteran's symptoms are consistent with diabetes mellitus, which he was already service-connected for.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not involve loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or eyes. Therefore, he does not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 60 percent since April 5, 2014. Separate ratings of 20 percent are assigned for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity as of September 17, 2013.