Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2001

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for higher evaluations for his low back disorder, left ulnar nerve neuropathy, migraine headaches, and mood disorder with major depressive features. The claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder is pending. The appellant's irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease have not been granted a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome, skin disability, and peripheral neuropathy. The evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the veteran's military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected amputation of the left little finger and left ulnar neuropathy, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back disability, have permanently precluded gainful employment compatible with his education and occupational experience since January 7, 1997. A total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability is granted effective from September 30, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial, compensable rating for residuals of a fracture of the right 4th finger, attributing the disability to diabetic neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence showed some limitation of motion but no unfavorable or extremely unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and recognition as a former prisoner of war, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted in support of these claims.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated as a result of any incident of service, including alleged exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Board finds that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is secondarily service connected to his shell fragment wounds, which were incurred in service and for which service connection has been established.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted. The effective date of his service-connected CIDP disabilities is not addressed in this decision.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in denying service connection for residuals of frostbite, but granted new evidence to reopen the claim and establish service connection for chronic axonal polyneuropathy.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of frostbite with axonal polyneuropathy and found that erectile dysfunction is secondary to this condition. The effective date remains May 23, 1991.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and increased the rating for left brachial plexus neuropathy to 30 percent. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral varicose veins remains denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and a compression fracture of the upper lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to service or a service-connected condition and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a major depressive disorder should have been granted effective from March 7, 1997. The award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also effective as of March 30, 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective date of June 16, 1993, based on evidence showing he was totally disabled by his service-connected disabilities more than a year prior to that claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for secondary service connection were not well grounded and are therefore denied. The RO is directed to consider whether additional notification or development actions are required under the VCAA.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation was granted, with the effective date set at April 4, 2000. The decision also awarded regular aid and attendance benefits.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of TDIU was granted, with the effective date set at October 17, 1989. This decision is based on the fact that the veteran became unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities as early as October 17, 1989.

The Board has determined that the veteran's postoperative lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, consisting of residuals of multiple low back surgeries, is considered to have been incurred in service as a progression of his service-connected sacroiliitis with left sciatic neuropathy.