Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claim regarding whether he is competent to handle disbursement of funds. The remaining claims for increased ratings have been remanded for further development.

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn, and his claims for service connection for stroke residuals; increased disability ratings for a renal disorder, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension; and TDIU are all granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of hypertension and peripheral neuropathy before a decision was made by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for low back strain, hepatitis, bilateral tinea pedis with ingrown toenails, polyneuropathy of the right upper extremity, and polyneuropathy of the left upper extremity have been denied. The RO assigned a 20 percent rating for low back strain effective September 8, 2003, under DC 5292 (prior to September 26, 2003).

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and because of the inextricably intertwined nature of his claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service or to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans' Law Judge.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU prior to February 13, 2008 due to his service-connected disabilities. The effective date of the award is set at February 13, 2008.

The Veteran's neuropathic pain of the left leg is likely due to a peroneal nerve injury sustained during service. The VA will schedule an examination to determine if his CAD is related to his service-connected residuals of shell fragment wound.

The Board found that the RO's May 1, 2003 rating decision did not commit clear and unmistakable error in failing to adjudicate a claim for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s)(1) by reason of being housebound. The Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for this benefit based on his disability evaluations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following some type of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy and hepatitis A, B, and C due to herbicide exposure are denied as there is no competent evidence of current diagnoses or a link between the conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not etiologically related to his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The claim for a low back condition was not on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression and eating disorder meets the percentage requirements for a schedular award of a TDIU prior to June 8, 2006. However, since June 8, 2006, this disability has presented her from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an initial rating higher than 40 percent for his low back disability, and the Board dismisses the appeal.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, and an initial compensable evaluation for hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection and increased evaluations, including a finding of competency. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, determine the nature and etiology of his lower back disability and peripheral neuropathy, and consider all relevant evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing SSA records and other actions.