Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right elbow disorder, ureterolithiasis and nephrolithiasis, and peripheral neuropathy are not well grounded.,The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for such a rating based on current symptomatology.,The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for jungle rot of both legs, the back and the groin, is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for such a rating based on current symptomatology.,The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for fusiform enlargement of the third finger of the left hand is denied as there is no significant symptomatology.

The VA has denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected postoperative myositis ossificans with residual sciatic neuropathy of the left leg, currently rated at 40 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including pancreatitis, dysthymic disorder, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction, are of a nature and severity that prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board finds the evidence supports his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and bronchial asthma, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder and neuropathy of the right lower extremity have been denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions being related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current conditions to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings are not well grounded, and the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent have not been met.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The claim was found not well-grounded.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's left hand disability, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, hypertension with diabetic nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities. The RO maintained a 60 percent evaluation for diabetes mellitus, a 30 percent evaluation for hypertension, and no separate evaluations were assigned for the peripheral neuropathies.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred in service and the VA denied his claim as it is not related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for dental residuals of a left mandibular fracture and did not address the other issues as they were not part of the original claim. The veteran is advised to submit a substantive appeal on these issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, and progressive neuromuscular disease as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hallux valgus and hammertoes of the left foot are well grounded. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric, neurological, respiratory, and vision disorders are not well grounded as there is no credible evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that there was no clinical record prior to September 7, 1995, showing the criteria for aid and attendance benefits were met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected median and ulnar neuropathy of the left hand does not warrant a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection due to lack of competent medical evidence linking his current conditions to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy is presumed to have been incurred in service due to Agent Orange exposure, and the claim is granted.

The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the feet, and his scar on the posterior chest wall received a non-compensable disability evaluation that has been increased to 10 percent.

The Board denied an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, finding that the veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.