Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation, and the diseases are not presumed to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 70 percent, which meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. However, the evidence does not support a finding that he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is attributable to his in-service neck spasms and lumbar strain, and grants service connection based on new evidence from service treatment records.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, and the appellant B.A.P.S. could not be recognized as the surviving spouse due to her prior legal marriage to the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy in each lower extremity is currently rated at 40% since March 20, 2008. The Board finds that ratings in excess of 40% are not warranted as there is no evidence of complete paralysis or marked muscle atrophy.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for service connection and increased ratings in various conditions, with some issues resulting in new and material evidence being submitted.

The Veteran's appeal for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy has been withdrawn.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.,The Veteran does not have a current right hip disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for type II diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were denied. The current rating for type II diabetes is 20 percent, while the current rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the legs and arms, and diabetes mellitus have all been rated at their maximum allowable ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical and mental incapacity, which requires care and assistance on a regular basis.

The Veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbosacral spine with low back strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and his adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is rated at 30 percent. The Board has granted a higher rating for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, kidney disorder, and polyneuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. The claims are denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, PTSD, chronic pain disorder, and other neurological disorders. The decision is based on the lack of evidence supporting a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, and increased rating have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of his claimed conditions are related to military service or due to VA care.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and a renal condition are mixed. The appeal is based on presumed exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for left lower extremity neurological impairment he contends that he suffered as a result of a left hip replacement on November 29, 2005 at the VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina.

The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to a request for a Board hearing. The claim for sleep apnea is also being remanded as no Statement of the Case has been issued.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for idiopathic cardiomyopathy with CAD and atrial fibrillation, service connection for umbilical hernia, thyroidectomy, cervical disorder, vertigo, varicose veins, erectile dysfunction, and a skin disorder.