Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by any of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 were denied.

The veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease with sciatic neuropathy, has been rated at 60 percent since the date of her claim. This rating is based on the severity of symptoms including pain and neurological deficits.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not found to be service-connected, and his TDIU rating application was also denied.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against the veteran's claim for service connection for right wrist fusion as being secondary to his service-connected postoperative peripheral neuropathy of the left ulnar nerve. The case is remanded for an additional VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and dismissed his claim seeking an effective date earlier than January 25, 1993 for nonservice-connected pension benefits. The decision was based on the fact that he withdrew his appeal of prior decisions.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board denied service connection for this condition. Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus is also denied.

The VA Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity as a residual of exposure to Agent Orange is denied. The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of fractures of the right hand is also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder and right lower extremity neuropathy are not proximately due to, nor do they result from, his service-connected residuals of a stress fracture of the right third metatarsal. The noncompensable evaluation for the service-connected residuals of a stress fracture remains in effect.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that he is not blind or nearly so, does not require regular aid and assistance due to his physical condition, and is capable of managing his daily activities without assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disorder, headaches, residuals of frostbite, neuropathy, and shoulder disorder are not well grounded. The evidence submitted since the final decisions does not provide a sufficient basis to reopen these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for numbness of the fingers, toes and legs/ peripheral neuropathy as secondary to Agent Orange exposure during service. The claim for an increased rating for anxiety neurosis was not addressed due to lack of a specific issue.

The Board found that the veteran's current idiopathic polyneuropathy was not incurred during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for thyroid cancer is well grounded, but her claims of fibromyalgia and polyneuropathy/bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to exposure to non-ionizing radiation are not well grounded. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for restoration of his 100% disability rating for acute myelogenous leukemia and service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected AML. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board found the veteran's claim well-grounded and granted service connection for porphyria cutanea tarda and peripheral neuropathy, both presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a skin disorder, sexual dysfunction, lymphoma/lipoma, and neuropathy as secondary to Agent Orange exposure are not well grounded.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for partial neuropathy of the left 5th (trigeminal) cranial nerve and a compensable evaluation for residuals of a scar on the left chin.

The veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are each rated at 40 percent disabling, effective from October 21, 1993.