Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for alcoholism, peripheral neuropathy secondary to alcoholism, a sleep disorder, dysthymia, and COPD. The denial is based on the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 105(a) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.301 which prohibit compensation for disabilities resulting from willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease secondary to PTSD, finding that the veteran's PTSD has aggravated his coronary artery disease. The issues of peripheral neuropathy and impotence are not ready for appellate review due to a lack of proper development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for erectile dysfunction is remanded due to the need for further development. The service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy, claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus, also requires additional development and review.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including aching joints, claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, thoracic spine disability, and loss of sleep. The evidence does not support current diagnoses or show that these conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran seeks service connection for multiple conditions including arthritis, heart disease, and neuropathy. The case is being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the feet and onychomycosis are related to his service, specifically cold injury exposure during active duty. The condition of peripheral neuropathy is granted as secondary to a cold injury sustained in service.

The Board granted a 30 percent disability rating for the veteran's status post ankylosis of the right ankle with polyneuropathy and degenerative joint changes, finding that his symptoms did not warrant higher ratings based on specific diagnostic codes.

The veteran's right sensory neuropathy of the sciatic nerve with lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent, effective from its effective date of service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, psychiatric disorders, skin disorders, respiratory disorders, stomach disorders, headaches, and nerve injuries. The claims were reopened on new evidence but ultimately denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a neurological examination to determine the nature and severity of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy.

The Board found that the veteran's demyelinating polyneuropathy and peripheral neuropathy were not incurred in or aggravated by military service, and denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's current wrist disorders are related to service. The VA will conduct a new examination and provide an opinion on the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of her service-connected right brachial plexus neuropathy is being remanded due to conflicting clinical findings and the need for further examination. The RO must consider whether a separate disability rating is warranted based on complaints regarding her right lower extremity.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical examination and procedural issues.

The veteran seeks service connection for acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy as a result of Agent Orange exposure. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for PTSD, asthma, and neuropathy of the left superficial peroneal nerve. The RO is instructed to address these issues in accordance with VA regulations and procedures.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a skin disorder of the feet or bilateral peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure in service. The claim for these conditions is denied.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, to include as secondary to service-connected scar residuals of a gunshot wound of the left buttock and sacral region. The RO denied this claim in June 1997.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VCAA notice, and further development is required.