Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various foot conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on secondary to a service-connected condition.

The veteran's cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy is denied as not related to the May 1988 VA hospitalization and surgery.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right ankle disorders are not related to his right leg contusion in service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence of acute or subacute peripheral neuropathy within one year after service and insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between current peripheral neuropathy and active service.

The Board found that the veteran's neurological disorders, including peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, peripheral neuropathy, heart disease, and liver disease (including hepatitis C), finding that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen the claim. The Board also determined that there was no direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted an initial 60 percent rating for diabetes mellitus with impotency and peripheral neuropathy, effective from May 1999. The veteran's symptoms justify this increased rating.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and his TDIU claim have been addressed. The RO has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, but the hearing disability does not meet the legal definition of a service connectable hearing disability. The RO also increased the veteran's rating for diabetes mellitus to 40 percent effective July 16, 1998. Additional development is needed due to deficiencies in previous requests.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not support ratings greater than 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for VA examinations to assess the veteran's service-connected Crohn's disease and bilateral median focal neuropathy at the wrist.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including right trigeminal neuralgia, due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The veteran's condition is presumed to be related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted. The veteran was not exposed to Agent Orange or any other presumptive exposure basis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the left thigh, including sciatic neuropathy with triple arthrodesis of the left ankle, are productive of complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve and grants an increased rating to 80 percent.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected neuromuscular low back pain, residual of a stab wound with peripheral neuropathy, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a temporary total disability rating pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 due to VA hospitalization in July 1999, as the treatment was not for a service-connected condition and there is no evidence linking the cervical spine disorder to a service-connected disability.

The VA determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy results in occasional staggering and dizziness, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy and aching joints, finding that there was no evidence of acute or subacute peripheral neuropathy in service or shortly thereafter. The Board also found that the current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy is not related to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for seizure disorder, peripheral neuropathy, tumor, cysts and multiple osteoma, and recurrent meningitis due to Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's disability evaluation does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, and his claim is denied.