Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has vacated its January 2008 decision and the issue of an effective date prior to July 11, 2005 for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities (feet) and peripheral neuritis of the bilateral hands remains in appellate status. The increased evaluation issue for hepatitis C with history of infectious hepatitis is also pending.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy in his upper extremities and denied service connection for this condition as it is not related to service or secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and his lower extremity symptoms first manifested many years after service and are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not attributable to military service.

The Veteran's spouse is not considered to be in need of regular aid and attendance based on the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a).

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus did not require insulin or regulation of activities due to the condition, and thus denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right lower extremity loss is equivalent to a below-the-knee amputation with prosthesis, thus meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and a disability of the legs, other than diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, have been denied. The Veteran's claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability of the right eye as a result of surgical treatment performed in November 1996 at a VA facility has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for various disabilities resulting from diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and bilateral lower extremity vascular disease was denied. The Veteran's PTSD also resulted in a denial of an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity were denied by the Board. The case is being remanded to allow for further development and consideration.

The Board denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and multiple diabetic neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, are considered in determining his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The RO must obtain a supplemental opinion on this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity neuropathy was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating based on the current state of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The claims were not supported by evidence linking current symptoms to in-service stressors or events.

The Board has determined that there was CUE in the October 2006 decision increasing the ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and these prior ratings are not reinstated. The Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records related to his employment status and service-connected disabilities during a specific period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The claim is granted for accrued benefits purposes.