Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the appellant's exposure to chemical dioxins during service, and requests additional information from the service department. The VA is also asked to obtain Social Security Administration records and arrange for a medical examination if necessary.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected post-operative lumbar laminectomy and denied reopening of his claim for hypertension. The Veteran also has peripheral neuropathy of the feet, which is not service connected.

The Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred, including as a result of exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of cold injury to the bilateral lower extremities are currently evaluated at 30 percent. The Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted as there is no evidence of additional disability beyond what is already reflected in the current rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurological disability, including peripheral neuropathy, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical development regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine if service connection can be established for hypertension, erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of all extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral feet and hands is not related to service, including exposure to radiation or syphilis. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities did not manifest during service or within a reasonable time frame post-service, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran is seeking special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. However, the VA needs to provide an adequate opinion regarding whether he is in need of regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a disability claimed as peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, manifested by pain, tingling and numbness. The case is being remanded to determine if his current neurologic disability in the left leg is related to the November 2004 vein removal associated with his coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further development due to the submission of additional medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and an initial increase in evaluation for early diabetic nephropathy changes as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II have all been denied. The evidence does not support the presence of these conditions.

The Veteran's right epididymitis with obturator neuropathy is currently rated at 30 percent, effective November 26, 2008. The claim for an increased evaluation remains in appeal as the Veteran seeks a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination to assess his employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Dialysis Clinic, Incorporated in March, April and May of 2008 were not covered by VA because prior authorization was not obtained. The services provided were not rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for venous peripheral vascular disease and idiopathic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, including as secondary to service-connected bilateral flat feet with painful plantar calluses. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant must be provided with VCAA compliant notice and a VA medical opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure during active duty. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are also found to be related to his diabetes mellitus, type II.