Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and peripheral neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination, compliance with VCAA requirements, and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's trigeminal neuropathy does not more nearly approximate severe incomplete paralysis of the nerve than moderate incomplete paralysis, and thus a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left trigeminal neuropathy, finding that his condition did not more nearly approximate severe incomplete paralysis than moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected right local retrocubital ulnar neuropathy and postoperative residuals of a compound fracture, right ankle. The veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, effective from June 7, 2000.

The Board found that the appellant's cold injury residuals are related to his military service and granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for polyneuropathy of the left lower extremity due to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, status post chemotherapy.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and a skin disorder manifested by fungus and boils, finding no evidence of these conditions in his military service or due to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, arteriosclerosis obliterans, residuals of transmetatarsal amputations of the left foot, COPD, and hyperuricemia, all claimed as diseases associated with herbicide exposure. The appeal is based on a lack of evidence supporting these conditions or their association with service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for higher initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of both feet, finding that the symptoms more nearly approximated mild than moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The veteran is seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy, also claimed as nerve damage to the feet. The appeal involves Agent Orange exposure but does not specify a direct basis of service connection or any other specific theory.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and due process, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral foot disabilities.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have chronic, acute, or subacute peripheral neuropathy, spots on lungs, speech impediment, confusion, or subcutaneous skin nodules linked to active service or as secondary to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for acute or subacute peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicide agents used in Vietnam.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the presence of diabetes mellitus and its relationship to peripheral neuropathy. The claim for PTSD will also be reviewed.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to Agent Orange exposure are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of stressors for PTSD and a VA examination for peripheral neuropathy.

The veteran's claim for service connection for acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during his Vietnam-era service, was denied as there is no competent medical evidence of such condition at any time.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for peripheral neuropathy, low back disability, or right shoulder disability. The initial rating for postoperative residuals of umbilical herniorrhaphy is denied as there are no residual disabilities other than a well-healed scar.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting an increase in SMC to a higher level.