Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected mononeuropathy of right peroneal and right posterior tibial nerves, residuals of shell fragment wounds, warrants a rating in excess of 30 percent due to his current manifestations including only 5 degrees of active motion in the right ankle.

The VA determined that the veteran's right inguinal hernioplasty with ilio-inguinal and genitofemoral nerve neuropathy warranted a 0 percent (noncompensable) evaluation as of June 30, 1994.

The Board has granted a 70% evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder, and the veteran's claim of service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and neck, prostate disorder, bladder disorder, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange is granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of her removal of coccyx is denied as the current rating of 10 percent is considered the maximum allowed. The claim for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate is also denied due to her ability to feed herself, dress, walk with a cane, and self-catheterize.

The veteran's compensation benefits for interdigital nerve neuropathy between the third and fourth fingers, right hand were reduced by $70,000 due to a settlement under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

The veteran's appeal for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities has been withdrawn before a decision was made.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is rated at 60 percent, and separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities. The claim for increased rating for major depression remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, depression with a sleep disorder, cardiovascular disorder, influenza and colds, weakness and fatigue, noise and light sensitivity, and Raynaud's disease. The reasons were that there was no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year thereafter, and the veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to support his claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The RO will consider whether the veteran's conditions may be subject to presumptive service connection based on his status as a prisoner of war.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, as he can perform all self-care independently except for some right hand pain.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his shell fragment wounds of the legs, as well as his claim for increased evaluations for his shell fragment wound residuals, were denied. The case is remanded for further examination and review.

The veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, which is secondary to Agent Orange exposure, was denied by the RO. The case has been remanded due to incomplete information regarding the veteran's alleged exposure to Agent Orange during his second period of service in Vietnam.