Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The veteran does not have a verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and there is no evidence linking the peripheral neuropathy of his upper extremities to service or to his service-connected diabetes. The Board therefore denies all three issues.

The veteran is not entitled to VA financial assistance for the purchase of an automobile with adaptive equipment or for the purchase of adaptive equipment alone due to lack of eligibility based on the criteria set forth in the law.

The veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for calluses on his feet and residuals of a gunshot wound to the thighs have been denied as there is no evidence that they are moderately severe or severely disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, associated with herbicide exposure does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating greater than 20 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his service-connected scars of the lower extremities, and thus denied secondary service connection. The TDIU claim was also denied as the veteran did not meet the criteria for a TDIU based on his combined 70% disability rating.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected degenerative joint disease as secondary to scoliosis was denied. The claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for generalized sensory neuropathy of the right leg was also denied due to lack of evidence indicating fault on the part of VA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety and depression are service-connected as they are related to his active duty service or a service-connected condition.

The veteran is entitled to compensation under Section 1151 for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, which he claims was caused by VA medical treatment. The Board found that the failure of VA to timely diagnose and treat his diabetes exacerbated his diabetic neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for increase for headaches, depression, residuals of a left clavicle fracture, and left elbow neuropathy due to additional development being needed.

The Board found that the veteran's low back, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, and right knee disabilities are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder. The claims for increased evaluations of his pre-operative knee disability will be remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right leg disability is not related to his service-connected left leg injury and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The RO denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of right ring finger injury and resulting tendon repair, as well as his current peripheral neuropathy of the upper right extremity, are directly related to service. The appeal is granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings of diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and impotence have been granted. The current ratings are 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, 20 percent each for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and noncompensable for impotence.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have peripheral neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA Cold Injury Protocol examination to determine if the veteran's current symptoms, including foot and leg pain and swelling, are related to his exposure to cold weather in service. The examiner should also assess whether any peripheral neuropathy is caused or aggravated by cold injury exposure.

The Board denied all claims for service connection and the veteran's appeal is dismissed.

The Board found that the veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The currently demonstrated peripheral polyneuropathy in the lower extremities is shown as likely related to or a complication of the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors. Service connection was also denied for jungle rot and erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disorder, cerebral vascular accident, cataracts, hypertrophic astigmatism and presbyopia, and mild left upper lid ptosis, all claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.