Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

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.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for sensory axonal neuropathy of the right ulnar nerve was denied. However, after further examination and clarification, his condition involving multiple radicular groups (ulnar, median, and musculospiral nerves) was rated at 40 percent effective December 18, 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy did not result from disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his desire to withdraw all remaining issues on appeal, including the effective date for PTSD.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeals for all issues.

The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is not related to his service, and the neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities has resolved.,Service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as they are not shown to have been incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral wrist disorder, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions during or since service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities has been granted increased ratings to 40 percent, effective July 16, 2015. The Board also found that a higher rating is not warranted for this period.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and bilateral cataracts cannot be earlier than January 28, 2008.