Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and peripheral neuropathy in the feet were denied due to lack of timely substantive appeal.,A new claim for service connection for depression disorder was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board denied service connection for neuropathy of the left lower extremity and left foot, as well as for neuropathy of the right lower extremity and right foot. The Veteran's symptoms were attributed to sciatica.

The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened, but the secondary service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is denied as there is no service-connected disability. The service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (reopened) is also denied.

The Veteran's permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without a cane, meets the criteria for specially adapted housing. However, he does not qualify for a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues related to muscle weakness, vertigo, stomach condition, brittle nails, dental problems, diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, left upper extremity neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, impotence, and hypertension have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee replacement, coronary artery disease, nephropathy with hypertension, and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and erectile dysfunction, are sufficient to qualify for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability as of June 17, 2011.

The Veteran's right arm tingling and numbness is currently rated at 40 percent, but no higher. The Board found that the disability manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis of the upper radicular group.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions and need for additional evidence. The Veteran's eye disability may be related to diabetes, but not necessarily service connection. His peripheral neuropathy is presumed to be from herbicide exposure, but needs further clarification on its onset and relation to his diabetes.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disabilities resulting from a December 2008 VA abdominal aortogram, but the claim must be remanded to obtain updated medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in the right or left upper extremities, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the functional impairment caused by his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work. The issues of increased ratings for diabetes and coronary artery disease are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in all four extremities are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining new opinions on peripheral neuropathy and headaches.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in the bilateral upper and lower extremities, thus denying the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the right ulnar neuropathy claim, and the case is dismissed. The right wrist disability increased rating claim has been remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for esophageal tumor, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral legs and feet as due to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's esophageal tumor was not related to his in-service exposure, nor were the other conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not related to his service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection. The issues of low back disability, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and migraines are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, as well as an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's claim was not supported by competent evidence of a current diagnosis or regulatory activities.