Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2003

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that the veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to in-service cold injury. The claim for a higher initial rating for bilateral pes planus remains pending and will be addressed along with the arthritis of the feet issue.

The veteran's most recent claim for an increased rating was received on April 25, 1997. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date for service connection of peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for left trigeminal neuropathy, finding that the disability more nearly approximates moderate incomplete paralysis rather than severe.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, frostbite of both feet, ulnar neuropathy of the left arm, and a shrapnel wound to the left arm, preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and skin rashes are pending.

The Board found that the veteran's migraine headaches are due to a head injury sustained in service, granting service connection for this condition. The other issues of sensory neuropathy and osteochondromatosis were not fully resolved.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 30 percent for ankylosis of the left wrist and a separate compensable rating of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left hand.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that it is a direct result of his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's current diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy were not caused by or aggravated by any VA treatment, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite to the feet and post-operative residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right knee are granted. The veteran does not have residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right lung or right side of the face (other than the jaw).

The Board has granted the application to reopen a previously denied claim of service connection for residuals of a left eye injury. The issues of service connection for traumatic arthritis of the low back and peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure are addressed in the remand that follows.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a scar of the left leg with residuals of sensory neuropathy in the saphenous nerve is being remanded due to additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has granted service connection for small fiber neuropathy of the feet, finding that it is related to the veteran's active service. The claim for dysthymia remains pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of new VA treatment records and a VA neurological evaluation.

The veteran's appeal involves two separate claims for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, one for left ulnar neuropathy and the other for a pinched nerve at C6-7-8 with radiculopathy. The appeals are considered mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, which he claimed was due to exposure to Agent Orange. The case is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board denied an increase in the evaluation for diabetic polyneuropathy of the anterior left chest, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for arthritis of the ankles, knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders, as well as skin cancer and peripheral neuropathy, all claimed as residuals of a cold injury. The right great toe disability was granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, which effectively confine him to a wheelchair and preclude locomotion.

The veteran was found to have distal symmetric peripheral polyneuropathy, previously claimed as muscle pain, joint pain, and stiff joints, which is etiologically related to his Gulf War service.,The veteran was diagnosed with chronic anxiety and depression, which are due to his period of active duty service.