Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective from September 26, 2005.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient information regarding herbicide exposure. The Veteran served in Thailand and was stationed at Udorn RTAFB, which is considered a Vietnam Era base.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, increased ratings for various disabilities, and entitlement to automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The issues are being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension as a result of herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's polyneuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was not incurred or aggravated during active duty, is not proximately due to, the result of or aggravated by a service-connected disability, and its incurrence or aggravation during active duty may not be presumed. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities and whether they are related to service, including exposure to radiation in service.

The Veteran is granted a separate 40 percent rating for urinary frequency secondary to diabetes mellitus, effective from the date of the decision. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, as it was not present during service or due to any incident of service. The Veteran's current condition is considered unrelated to his service-connected right foot disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left feet are each rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that they do not warrant increased ratings as the symptoms are no more than moderate in degree.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claims. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral artery disease, respiratory disorder, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension were denied. The reduction in rating for prostate cancer was upheld.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the relationship between his service-connected conditions and alcoholism, as well as any sleep apnea. The issues of TDIU and service connection for peripheral neuropathy are also inextricably intertwined with these matters.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, and he is now eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The diabetes mellitus, type II, along with other service-connected conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and Dupuytren's contracture, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of a wheelchair. Therefore, he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing and special home adaptations. However, his claim for automobile and adaptive equipment is moot due to the law precluding an award under 38 U.S.C.A. § 2102(b).

The Veteran's combined disability evaluation was at least 70% prior to July 28, 2015. The evidence does not show he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, as well as obtaining relevant medical records from SSA and VA.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral ankle, knee, hip, wrist, and elbow disabilities have been withdrawn.,Service connection is being remanded for diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing and will not make a decision on the merits until all necessary actions are taken.

The Board has determined that there is no competent and credible evidence establishing a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy affecting the bilateral upper extremities. The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis (athlete's foot) will be remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether pre-existing tinea pedis was aggravated by his active duty service.