Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2001

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back strain, skin disorder, and peripheral neuropathy. The claim for an increased rating for bursitis of the feet, ankles, and hands was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides. The appeal is granted.

The veteran's case is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a supplemental statement of the case.

The veteran's appeal is about his service-connected disabilities and whether he should receive higher levels of special monthly compensation based on the severity of his conditions. The RO has ordered additional VA examinations to assess the current level of impairment resulting from his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a seizure disorder. The veteran's low back disability is currently evaluated at 20 percent, which reflects moderate limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran currently has acute or subacute peripheral neuropathy as a residual of Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for cold injury residuals of the left foot and right foot, along with a separate 10 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy in each foot.

The veteran's carcinoma of the tongue and metastatic squamous cell cancer of cervical nodes were not shown to be related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange.,Peripheral neuropathy was not shown to be related to service or due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange, and entitlement to an increased initial rating for service-connected right knee disability due to incomplete development of records.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that his exposure to Agent Orange during service is presumed and directly caused his current condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed chronic cervical spine disability and bilateral hand numbness were not incurred or aggravated by active military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy and excessive itching, joint pains, abdominal pains, hypertension, scars from shrapnel wounds of the left shoulder, PTSD, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The appeals are based on secondary service connection.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of frozen feet and peripheral neuropathy are rated at 20 percent each since January 12, 1998.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's current groin or right leg disability, specifically right femoral neuropathy, is not related to his VA treatment in March 1999. The appeal is denied.

The veteran is entitled to VA payment or reimbursement for medical expenses incurred in November 12, 1998 due to a motor vehicle accident. The claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and reopening of the malaria and diabetes claims are referred to the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or on account of being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities. The veteran had a combined rating of 90 percent for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right buttock and thigh, including sciatic neuropathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board has granted service connection for a left arm disorder and peripheral neuropathy. The remaining issues of service connection for PTSD, a left shoulder disorder, and a skin disorder are addressed in the Remand section.

The veteran's claims for service connection for labyrinthitis and left hand neuropathy have been granted with effective dates of December 21, 1991, and July 10, 1995, respectively. However, the claim for clear and unmistakable error regarding tinnitus has not been perfected.

The Board has granted service connection for frostbite of the toes and fingers, bilaterally, with cold sensitivity and neuropathy as incurred in active service. Additionally, a 10 percent evaluation is assigned for cervical strain.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.