Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's brain tumor, neuropathy of the hands and feet, and left leg numbness are not related to her active service or a service-connected disability. The Veteran's headaches were found to be unrelated to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity nerve disorders have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 14, 2014 or since that date. The VA examinations conducted found mild to moderate symptoms consistent with the current level of disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and hearing loss prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations in excess of 10 percent for left wrist tendonitis and 20 percent for residuals of left elbow fracture with posttraumatic ulnar neuropathy have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of representation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right hand arthritis is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, and an eye disability has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service connection cannot be granted on a secondary basis due to the absence of a service-connected condition. The Veteran's claims are also not supported by evidence of exposure to Agent Orange or other presumptive conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and PTSD as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy with glaucoma and cataracts, and other conditions. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination to address the relationship between his service-connected diabetes mellitus and his claimed conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the Appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an adequate etiology opinion regarding the origin of his left ulnar neuropathy, including consideration of his service-connected skin disorder and a February 2001 steroid injection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as the evidence shows moderate incomplete paralysis rather than severe or complete.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the initial ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as his claim for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, and he is granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine, right shoulder, and right elbow disabilities were not incurred in service. The symptoms of degenerative arthritis were not chronic in service or manifested within one year of separation.

The Board has remanded the appeals for additional development due to the Veteran's failure to appear at scheduled examinations. The appeals are related to his right hand disabilities, including reflex sympathetic dystrophy and associated neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities has been denied as there is no current disability found.

The Veteran's service connection claims for basal cell carcinoma, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma was related to sun exposure during his military service in Vietnam. For the other conditions, the evidence did not support a direct relationship with service.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been rated at 20 percent for the entire period on appeal, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8521.