Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board finds that the Veteran's alcohol dependence is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for left lower extremity alcoholic neuropathy and right lower extremity alcoholic neuropathy.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is related to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board has also found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability is not attributable to service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for radicular neuropathy of the right upper extremity.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in November 2011.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examination and evidence, as well as to address the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his upper extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his inability to use both lower extremities without aid.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carpal tunnel/ulnar neuropathy of both upper extremities is related to her military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, blood clots, and blockage of the right lower extremity was denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his claim. His current ratings for peripheral neuropathy and thrombophlebitis/varicose veins have already reached their maximum levels.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of rhinitis and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy during the November 2011 hearing. The appeal for service connection of an enlarged prostate is remanded due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA. However, the Board found that the Veteran did not provide informed consent for his treatment.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that any of the claimed conditions resulted from VA care in September 2007, and thus denies all claims for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for ulcer disease, to include as due to herbicide exposure. Resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that his ulcer disease is related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents such as Agent Orange. The Board also finds that his peripheral sensory polyneuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents such as Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its associated peripheral neuropathies, depression, and erectile dysfunction, preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience. The Board has granted a TDIU rating.

The Board found that there is no evidence of the Veteran's presence in Vietnam, and thus he cannot be presumed to have been exposed to herbicides. The claims for service connection were denied as the weight of the evidence does not support a finding of a relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim requires additional development and remands for further examination and consideration of his service connection claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to resultant helplessness.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is dismissed due to his withdrawal. His claims of increased ratings and service connection are not addressed as the appeal has been withdrawn.