Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected postoperative residuals of a left elbow injury and left forearm ulnar nerve neuropathy, finding that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings based on the current criteria.

The Board found that the veteran's current eye disorder is not service-connected and denied his claims for increased ratings for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence did not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease, and the current disability was considered to be due to refractive errors rather than a service-connected condition.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of activity regulation required due to diabetes, and thus no higher evaluation could be assigned.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service, and the current conditions are not related to service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his poor balance caused by decreased eyesight and impaired depth perception, as well as weakness and numbness in his extremities. The Board finds that he is unable to function without supervision and assistance.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a program of Independent Living Services under Chapter 31, as the requested equipment is not necessary to improve his independence in daily living.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which has been granted.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's chronic low back strain since February 20, 2007. The other issues were not addressed as they are not part of this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, hypertension, and tinnitus. The decision found no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities, and that there was no medical nexus between the veteran's hypertension and active service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Tinnitus was found to be related to military noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure.,There is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service.

The Board found that the veteran's current neurological findings to include tremors and ataxia were not related to service, and his psychiatric disorders are not related to service or a service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The veteran's TDIU was granted effective from August 23, 2005, due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower bilateral extremities, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic neurological disability during or within one year after service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support a claim for TDIU due to the veteran's diagnosed diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disorder, left hip disorder, left leg disorder, left ankle disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to her active service.

The veteran's appeal of the September 20, 2002 rating decision was not timely filed. As a result, the Board lacks jurisdiction to consider his claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities of the bilateral feet limit his ability to walk far, participate in activities of daily living that require walking, and drive safely. The Board finds that these conditions meet the criteria for loss of use of the feet as defined by VA regulations, granting financial assistance for an adapted automobile.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including dizziness, bilateral hearing loss, gout, mood swings, defective vision, cramps and sweats, peripheral neuropathy of the extremities, hypertension, heart condition, shortness of breath, depression, memory loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, muscle and joint pains, sleep apnea, headaches, liver disorder, and high cholesterol. The claims were denied as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant due to lack of service-connected blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less, anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records and other actions as appropriate.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hearing loss of the left ear or bilateral lower extremity sensory motor peripheral neuropathy due to service. The claim is denied.