Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence of a right upper extremity disability for several years after service, and the most persuasive opinion evidence to address the question of whether there exists a nexus between the appellant's in-service wrist pain and his current carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is adverse to the claim. Similarly, there is no credible evidence of a left upper extremity disability for several years after service, and the most persuasive opinion evidence to address the question of whether there exists a nexus between the appellant's in-service wrist pain and his current motor neuropathy of the left upper extremity is adverse to the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been granted for accrued benefits purposes. The initial rating for PTSD is 30 percent, and the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran now suffers from peripheral neuropathy and whether it is related to his military service or chemical dioxin exposure.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support the presence of peripheral neuropathy within the first post-service year and that a preponderance of the competent and probative evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus caused or aggravated his claimed peripheral neuropathy. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for both the residuals of cold injuries to the bilateral lower extremities and restless leg syndrome, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's exposure to cold weather during his combat service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to decide the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities has not resulted in any functional impairment warranting a compensable rating since January 7, 2009.

The Board determined that the reduction of the Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy rating from 40 percent to 10 percent was not proper, and restored the original 40 percent rating effective July 1, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected upper and lower extremity neuropathies have not met the criteria for increased evaluations as of the dates specified.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to March 1, 2008. The issues for increased ratings of diabetic neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities remain denied.,Diabetic neuropathy of the right and left feet are currently rated at 10 percent each.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right tibia and fibula fracture are currently rated at 10 percent, effective January 1, 1995. The October 27, 2008 VA examination revealed that the Veteran's leg was shortened by 4 centimeters compared to his left leg, warranting a higher rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects a mild degree of incomplete paralysis. The symptoms do not warrant an increase in rating.

The Board has decided the claim for a higher rating for hearing loss. The remaining claims for service connection for hypertension and for higher ratings for PTSD require additional development before being decided on appeal, so these claims are remanded to the RO.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and peripheral neuropathy due to speculative nature of causation.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected right ulnar neuropathy and a right elbow disability are dismissed as the RO's decision became final due to lack of appeal. The Veteran is left with only one option in his attempt to obtain an earlier effective date: a claim alleging that the RO's original decision contained clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's assertions are considered redundant of previous contentions, and thus do not constitute new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service, including as secondary to service-connected shell fragment wound residuals and inservice exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the combined effects of all his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that new evidence supports reopening the claim and establishing a current diagnosis.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to the Board's decision.