Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gall bladder removal, sigmoid colectomy (claimed as removal of the colon), and peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides. The claim for reopening a skin condition was also denied. Service connection was not granted for any of these conditions.

The Board denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Tinea Cruris due to Agent Orange exposure, and Peripheral Neuropathy and Chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure. The RO must issue a statement of the case on these issues.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of frozen feet and peripheral neuropathy have been granted increased ratings to reflect the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a social and industrial survey. The veteran's service-connected disabilities are being evaluated along with his nonservice-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for disability benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding no additional disability resulting from VA medical treatment in April and June 1994.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frozen feet and a right ankle disorder, as new and material evidence was submitted.,The veteran is entitled to an increased evaluation for his left ankle disorder.

The veteran's service-connected frostbite disabilities have been granted increased ratings, with the highest rating of 30 percent for residuals of frostbite of the hands and feet. The traumatic arthritis of the hands and feet is rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for GERD has been granted, effective from March 23, 2000. The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected GERD does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have residuals of cold weather injury, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, right hand and right posterior skull that are related to active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left arm peripheral neuropathy and evaluation of his C5 and C6 compression fracture residuals.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any terminal disorders to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange in service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating, effective from August 26, 1994. The claim for increased PTSD evaluation is denied.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy is attributed to his diabetes mellitus, not service or exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for PTSD and sleep apnea remains pending due to the need for further verification of stressors and evaluation.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy secondary to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied an evaluation greater than 20 percent for the service-connected residuals of left calf laceration with sciatic neuropathy, finding that symptoms are currently manifested by slight atrophy in the left calf muscle and decreased sensation to touch, pain, temperature, and vibration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current peripheral neuropathy is related to service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's neurological deficit and a separate compensable rating for alleged vascular pathology of the left leg associated with his shell fragment wound.

The Board denied service connection for a disability of the fingers and granted service connection for frostbite-related peripheral neuropathy in the toes. The other claims were either not addressed or are pending.