Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been granted. Effective dates prior to July 2, 2008, are established for the peripheral neuropathy of his upper and lower extremities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, TMJ disorder, and an initial compensable rating for a cervical spine disorder. The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus but not for right shoulder strain or neurological impairment of the bilateral upper extremities.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity was manifested by sensory disturbances only during the entire appeal period, and thus did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder condition is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a right thumb injury, and thus denied his claim for service connection. His right thumb disability was evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected diabetic retinopathy with cataracts, which precludes him from working.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities have been granted, with a rating of 10% each.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus, type II with complications have been evaluated based on the criteria provided in the rating schedule. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's MS with neurogenic bladder is rated at 30 percent, sensory neuropathy of the left upper extremity at 70 percent, and sensory neuropathy of the left lower extremity at 30 percent. The optic neuritis claim was denied. Special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with depression and multiple amputations, have rendered him unable to use his arms at or above the elbow. As a result, he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for an effective date earlier than November 3, 2006, for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne is granted due to new and material evidence. Service connection is also granted for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; prostate cancer; ischemic heart disease (CAD); and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are all granted based on exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's frostbite of the feet, bilateral foot neuropathy, bilateral leg neuropathy, and partial amputations of the left second and third toes are all service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as his erectile dysfunction, are all found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and sinusitis are related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected gunshot wound of the right shoulder, involving Muscle Groups II, III, and IV, is rated at 40 percent. The Board found that separate ratings for each muscle group are warranted due to a through-and-through injury with muscle damage.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is due to herbicide exposure during military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,The claim of new and material evidence to reopen a left knee disability has also been denied.