Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2001

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the left ankle since October 27, 1995. The veteran's service-connected conditions have been evaluated based on their specific diagnostic codes in the VA Rating Schedule.

The veteran's disabilities do not confine him to his house or immediate premises, and he is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to his conditions.

The veteran's appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was dismissed because his claim for service connection for left inguinal neuropathy secondary to a previously service-connected disability (left inguinal herniorrhaphy residuals) had already been granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral defective hearing and granted it. The decision also grants service connection for tinnitus, but denies service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied because there is no evidence to support the contention that his peripheral neuropathy affecting two fingers of his left hand was caused by an IV transfusion received in August 1995 at a VA medical center.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 5, 1998, for the grant of compensation pursuant to the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left ulnar nerve neuropathy as a result of surgery during VA hospitalization in June 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding no medical evidence linking the condition to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's service-connected back disability required emergency treatment at a private hospital on July 21, 1998. The Board found that the medical care was necessary due to an emergent condition and granted payment for the unauthorized expenses.

The veteran's left ulnar neuropathy is productive of no more than mild incomplete paralysis, warranting a 10% disability rating. The appeal was granted.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of well-groundedness and incomplete development. The RO is instructed to obtain medical evidence and provide a VA examination to determine if the veteran's hypertension is secondary to his PTSD, and whether peripheral neuropathy and porphyria cutaneous tarda are related to Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 60 percent disabling, effective from the date of his claim. He also has service-connected peripheral neuropathy of both feet, which are separately rated.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine the veteran's pre-service level of disability and whether she had any treatment between her two periods of service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for left ulnar neuropathy entrapment, finding that his condition is currently manifested by no more than moderate incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve in the minor arm and therefore warrants a 20 percent evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from July 1, 1997. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU benefits was granted and effective as of May 21, 1997.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran engaged in combat and his symptoms are related to his Vietnam service. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy is held in abeyance pending completion of development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to qualify for specially adapted housing or financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The case is remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including a low back disorder, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, and bilateral ankle disorders, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability evaluation for pension purposes as his combined rating is 40 percent.

The veteran's right ulnar neuropathy is not considered to be a result of VA treatment, and the Board denied his claim for compensation under U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and chloracne, claimed as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange, will be readjudicated.