Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for fungus of the feet and hands, as well as service connection for peripheral neuropathy, are being remanded due to scheduling issues.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, right foot pes planus, left facial numbness, ulnar neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and right elbow and hand numbness.

The Board found that the Veteran's neuropathy of the lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and denied his claim for service connection. The issues regarding bilateral flatfoot and genital disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for left ulnar neuropathy and palsy was denied. The initial, non-compensable rating prior to July 21, 2007 is upheld, while the claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent from that date is without legal merit.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for lung disorder, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the left arm was granted. Service connection for postoperative residuals of a boil of the left thigh, low back disability, and bilateral foot disabilities is also granted. The Veteran received special monthly compensation on account of being housebound.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss with a 10% disability rating, effective April 19, 2007. The Veteran's other claims were denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is etiologically related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities prior to May 8, 2001.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated based on their direct effects without any additional service connection or presumption.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The claims for neuropathy of the face and back as well as increased evaluations for neuropathy in the lower extremities are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis or etiology linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for patellofemoral pain syndrome and sensorimotor peroneal neuropathy of the right knee, as these conditions are not linked to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, with effective dates prior to December 6, 2004. The Veteran was also awarded a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, effective February 24, 2006. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the hands and feet, and a lung disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent prior to January 11, 2011 and the claim for a higher rating from that date has been granted. Service connection for neuropathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to his service-connected low back disability has also been established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination for arthritis of the bilateral hips.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to exposure to acoustic trauma during service, warranting service connection.