Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2000

The veteran is seeking increased ratings for his service-connected diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and various types of diabetic neuropathy. The RO has ordered additional development to obtain recent medical records, including from the Detroit VA Medical Center, and to schedule a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy is denied as there is no competent evidence linking it to his active service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for increased evaluations of left shoulder dislocation, hypertension, and chronic bronchitis with COPD are also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected right femoral and obturator neuropathy, finding that the current 10 percent disability rating was appropriate. The TDIU claim was also denied as the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy secondary to the veteran's service-connected malignant lymphoma and increased the rating for his right knee arthritis from noncompensable to 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a member of the Board at the RO. The veteran must take no further action unless otherwise notified.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frozen feet (frostbite) and granted it, finding that new evidence confirms current disability and a nexus to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that his claim was not well-grounded due to lack of medical evidence linking the condition to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board is remanding the case to consider whether the veteran's service-connected schistosomiasis contributed substantially or materially to his death, and if so, whether it combined to cause death.

The Board finds that the appellant's adenocarcinoma of the right infratemporal fossa is not service-connected, but he does have peripheral neuropathy. The Board grants compensation for the adenocarcinoma under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 and denies service connection for both conditions.

The veteran's claim of service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy as due to Agent Orange exposure was denied by the RO in June 1997. The veteran did not file a timely appeal within 60 days from the date of the SOC, and thus the decision is final.

The veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be related to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper and lower extremities are maintained at 20 percent each.

The Board found no evidence of peripheral neuropathy in service or within one year after service, and concluded that the veteran's current condition is not related to exposure to herbicides or other incidents of military service.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's left cubital tunnel syndrome is granted as service connected. The right arm disability remains at a 30% rating.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not shown to be related to his service or Agent Orange exposure, and the claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and a psychiatric disability are not well grounded. The claim for service connection for post-traumatic osteoarthritis is found to be well grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current condition and his military service. The claim for PTSD remains in appellate status, with evaluations at 30 percent from April 29, 1994 to December 17, 1998, and at 50 percent since then.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection on multiple issues, finding that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection in any of these areas.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.