Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2001

The veteran was granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and arthritis of both lower extremities secondary to cold exposure with loss of use of both lower extremities. The effective date is February 26, 1996.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for radiculitis of the 10th and 11th thoracic nerves is being remanded due to new evidence submitted by the appellant. The VA will obtain medical records, conduct a neurological examination, and determine if there is a connection between the veteran's current polyneuropathy and progressive deterioration and his radiculitis.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death was incurred in active service, specifically due to hypertension and congestive heart failure.

The veteran claims service connection for peripheral neuropathy, which he alleges is related to his POW experiences during World War II. The VA has determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection based on POW status.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral tingling and a prostate problem, both claimed as resulting from exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found no evidence of these conditions in service or related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand disorder involving the ring and little fingers, as well as peripheral neuropathy. The evidence submitted since April 1995 was not new or material to reopen these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral disc herniation and peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as his claim for an increased rating for a left ankle disability. The left ankle condition is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence developed and issues related to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a bilateral eye disability, as well as the need to determine if the appellant's Notice of Disagreement was filed by an authorized person.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that the veteran's current condition is not related to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for numbness of both hands, peripheral neuritis, and peripheral neuropathy. The case is remanded for further development including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 26, 1994 for the establishment of service connection for the residuals of traumatic optic neuropathy, right eye. The veteran's claim was initially received on this date and he is now entitled to a higher evaluation for his bilateral residuals of traumatic optic neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy, including as due to Agent Orange exposure in service. The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder was granted a schedular evaluation of 70 percent.

The Board granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's cervical/brachial type right upper extremity neuropathy and right shoulder sprain with arthritis, effective from May 10, 1993.

The veteran's multiple nonservice-connected disabilities, including postoperative lumbar laminectomy, depressive disorder, and spinal stenosis of the cervical spine, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has granted the requested increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected conditions. The postoperative residuals of the fracture of the left wrist with traumatic arthritis are currently rated at 20 percent, which is within the range sought by the veteran. The neuropathy of the left wrist is rated at 30 percent effective from May 22, 1995 and reduced to 10 percent effective from March 2, 1999. A noncompensable evaluation for surgical scars on the left wrist has been granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, a low back disability, PTSD, drug and alcohol dependence, and personality disorder. The decision is based on the absence of legal merit under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a neurological disorder and for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of radiation exposure in service or a nexus between his current conditions and service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including prostate cancer and skin disability, were denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied the claim, finding that coronary artery disease was not incurred in or aggravated by service and did not contribute substantially to the cause of the veteran's death.