Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder secondary to the Veteran's service-connected paresthesia of the left lateral thigh. The claim for a higher rating for paresthesia of the left lateral thigh is also granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has granted service connection for sensory neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that it is likely due to the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension, are denied as there is no evidence of such conditions in service or within one year post-service. The Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that severing the Veteran's service connection for peripheral artery disease of the left and right lower extremities, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and impotence is not warranted as the grant was clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA records and scheduling examinations to address the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was granted, with the earliest assignable effective date being February 14, 1998.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The claims of service connection for skin disorder, neck disorder, diabetes mellitus Type II, bladder cancer, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression), stomach disorder, bilateral leg disorder, and feet disorder have all been denied as there is no current evidence of a chronic condition in each case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back pain, bilateral flat feet, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities based on a lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, with associated bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy resulting in right third digit amputation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected low back disability and scars, residuals of inguinal hernias. The Veteran's low back condition was found to be manifested by limitation of motion with forward flexion limited to 45 degrees but not less than 30 degrees or more than 60 degrees, without ankylosis. His right peroneal nerve disorder resulted in sensory loss equivalent to mild, incomplete paralysis. The scars did not result in any functional impairment and were not tender or ulcerated.

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

The Board found that the severance of service connection for peripheral neuropathy was improper due to the Veteran's competent reports of numbness and tingling in his lower extremities, which were consistent with a diagnosis of mild peripheral neuropathy. Service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as an opinion on whether his service-connected disabilities combine to make him unemployable.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected and was not caused by his service-connected bilateral claw feet. The non-healing neuropathic plantar ulcer, right first toe, status post partial amputation, is service-connected as secondary to the service-connected bilateral claw feet. Bilateral ankle instability is also service-connected as secondary to the service-connected bilateral claw feet.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with neuropathy and retinopathy warrants a 100 percent rating as of December 24, 2002.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. The claim for a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for muscle contraction headaches was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have effectively precluded locomotion without the aid of a cane or motorized wheelchair, meeting the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, heart disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. The Veteran's current back condition is not due to or related to in-service disease or injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine his eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant and automobile and adaptive equipment.