Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of current disability and noting that it does not fit within the regulatory definition of 'acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy'. The Board also found no link between the veteran's claimed condition and active service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and medical opinions from Drs. R.A.H., S.R., and D.B.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA neurological diagnostic testing and ensuring compliance with notification requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for right knee, back, and ulnar neuropathy of the right wrist and arm disabilities secondary to a left knee disability. However, the decision on whether these conditions are service-connected remains pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA physician to provide an opinion on the relationship between his service-connected condition and the claimed conditions.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure, as there is no evidence of such a condition.

The Board has granted service connection for demyelinating polyneuropathy with impotency, finding that the veteran's condition is at least as likely as not related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical examinations and a social worker's report.

The veteran's claim for secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was denied as there is no current evidence to support the diagnosis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for defective vision (claimed as total blindness). The claims for service connection for nervousness, sleeplessness and body weakness, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and osteoarthritis have all been denied.

The veteran is seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy, which he claims is due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim will be remanded to obtain medical records and a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred in service and are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected bilateral knee or left fifth toe disabilities. The claim for an increased evaluation for cervical spine disability was also denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and right upper extremity are being remanded due to incomplete development. The VA will conduct further examinations and obtain additional medical records before deciding these claims.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current existence of any neurologic impairment due to his service-connected disability and all current manifestations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, with diabetic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy, is service-connected based on a direct relationship to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hypothyroidism and peripheral neuropathy are related to his service, with the former being due to exposure to ionizing radiation during active duty.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal, thus dismissing the case.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including amblyopia and anopsia of the right eye, fungal infection (onychomycosis) of the hands and feet, stomach disorder, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia of the left eye, tinnitus, vertigo, fibromyalgia, and peripheral neuropathy. The claims were denied as not well grounded or without evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's appeal is for restoration of a 30 percent rating for his service-connected right leg disability, which was previously rated at 10 percent from July 1, 1998, and 20 percent since April 13, 2000. The RO has requested additional medical evidence and will re-adjudicate the claim.