Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings and service connection. The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Board found that the Veteran's lower extremity numbness, diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an examination of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and a determination on whether service connection should be granted.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is currently rated at 20 percent, with consideration given to pain and side effects of medications. This rating is warranted as it accommodates his ability to ambulate independently with a cane, continue driving, and perform activities of daily living.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus was granted a 30% rating effective from January 7, 2008. The Board also addressed the issue of increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus and granted a 50% rating effective from April 25, 2011.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disorders are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased evaluations have been withdrawn by his attorney.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise on whether the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity are related to cold weather exposure during service. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a left foot injury is granted. The claims for peripheral neuropathy and increased disability rating for right foot injury are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neurological manifestations of the lower extremities, diagnosed as mild peripheral neuropathy of the feet, are not a result of his service-connected low back disability. Therefore, an additional and separate rating for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction were denied. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings based on his current symptoms.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, low energy and fatigue, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and psychiatric disability. These conditions are found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper, left lower, and right lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for ulnar neuropathy of the left elbow and chronic allergic rhinitis, finding that these conditions began during active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disorder and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy did not manifest until many years after service, and are not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his VA treatment records and SSA disability decision.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Halifax Health Medical Center on June 29, 2009 and June 30, 2009 were denied as the treatment was not rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health. VA facilities were located within reasonable distance from his home but he did not attempt to use them.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, claimed as a result of exposure to herbicides, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his alleged Vietnam service and potential exposure. The Veteran's request for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance remains pending.