Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left hip disorder is not related to his active service and thus denied the claim. However, due to new evidence of a current left hip disorder and potential continuity of symptoms during service, the case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran does not have asthma or peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities that were caused or aggravated by his service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against both claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination considering his current condition and service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and tinnitus. The increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, hypertension, and autonomic neuropathy of the gastrointestinal tract with complications of small bowel obstruction are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus is being remanded. Additionally, the claims for service connection of hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and sleep apnea are also being remanded.,The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The skin disability claim is also being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability, and has therefore remanded the case for additional examination and readjudication.

The Board found that peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities was not incurred as a result of service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim is denied.

The Board finds that there is no competent evidence of record relating the Veteran's cervical spine disability to his service in the military.,There is also no competent medical evidence that the Veteran has peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity which is related to his military service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was not present in service, did not develop to a degree of at least 10 percent within one year of separation from service, and is not otherwise shown to be causally related to a disease, injury or event in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted. The claim for an earlier effective date for polyneuropathy of both lower extremities is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence of current hearing loss or tinnitus, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be established. The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy remains pending.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU and his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and a skin disorder. The claim for residuals of dental trauma was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2 is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, PTSD, two facial scars, left and right knee conditions, and neuropathy of the upper extremities, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities did not have their onset in service, were not caused by exposure to herbicides or other presumed conditions, and are not otherwise related to his military service. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus and left-sided neuropathy of the left leg are related to his service, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities from 30% to 10%, effective November 21, 2006.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of all claims on appeal.