Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that his tinnitus, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and nephropathy are related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy affecting both lower extremities is at least as likely as not due to Agent Orange exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated as 10 percent disabling.,The Veteran's diabetic ulcers of the right and left feet do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for a disability manifested by nightmares of war is dismissed as his claim was granted in full. The remaining issues previously treated as withdrawn are addressed, including chronic fatigue syndrome, joint pain, ALS, and muscle pain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus does not cause or aggravate his claimed peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, Epstein Barr/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, Raynaud's syndrome, anemia, diverticulitis, tinnitus and migraines are all found to be related to Agent Orange exposure in service.

The Veteran's appeal for a total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is being remanded for further development, including an examination to assess his employability given his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection for neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities can be fully adjudicated.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with hypertension, cataracts and history of nonhemorrhagic stroke is granted. He also has a 20 percent evaluation for his diabetes. The Veteran does not have residuals from his traumatic brain injury or peripheral neuropathy that would warrant separate evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied. The VA determined that the current manifestations of his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 90 percent, and he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound due to his physical disabilities. He also does not qualify for specially adapted housing benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left arm disability, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated by his active service and is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus was granted, and the effective date for service connection for his complications due to type II diabetes mellitus was set at September 10, 2003. The TDIU award was also granted with a retroactive effective date of September 10, 2003.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including skin condition, bone marrow condition, peripheral neuropathy, respiratory condition, and liver condition, are denied as there is no current medical evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding VA medical records and a need for further examination regarding the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated at 20 percent and does not warrant a higher rating. Service connection for hypertension due to in-service herbicide exposure or service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Veteran's claims for right upper and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence of these conditions. The claim for headaches secondary to service-connected thoracic spine disability has not been developed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and degenerative joint disease of the right ankle are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and consideration.