Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's right hip disability is rated at 20 percent, and his right leg neuropathy is separately evaluated as a 10 percent disability. The Veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities that preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy are not related to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of SMC benefits based on housebound criteria being met was granted as of July 26, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran had service-connected disabilities totaling at least 70% disabling by September 16, 2005, which qualified him for SMC benefits effective from that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to recent symptomatology and unassociated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy, as well as his tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, may not be effective earlier than October 14, 2009. The initial ratings for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, vision disability, peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), were denied as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure or a link to service.

The Board has vacated its November 2012 decision due to the discovery of additional evidence not previously considered, and has remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with nephropathy, retinopathy and erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20%.,Prior to June 1, 2006, the Veteran's neuropathy in his right foot was rated at 10%, while in his left foot it was also rated at 10%. After that date, both conditions were rated at 20%.,The Veteran requested withdrawal of his claim for increased SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities has been granted increased ratings, with a 10 percent rating for each arm since June 24, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain VA treatment records and other relevant medical evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be readjudicated after the completion of this development.

The Veteran is seeking an initial compensable disability evaluation for his service-connected residuals of a left index finger laceration. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional examination and development.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection for headaches, radiculopathy, neuropathy, right knee disability, bilateral ankle and hip disabilities, arthritis (bilateral toes), skin disability, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and headaches was granted. The Veteran is currently rated 30% for his service-connected headaches.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to herbicide exposure. The Veteran did not set foot in Vietnam or have actual exposure to herbicides during his service.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left leg and foot are not shown to be related to service or due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The claims must be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further review due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The issue of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, including due to exposure to Agent Orange, will be reconsidered.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed neurological disability of the upper extremities and his symptoms, such as numbness and tingling in the fingertips, were not related to any diagnosed disability of the upper extremities. The Board concluded that service connection for an upper extremity peripheral neuropathy disability has not been met.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The appeal is dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on several issues.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosis of type II diabetes and it did not manifest within one year after service separation. There is also no evidence linking the condition to herbicide exposure.