Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of diffuse peripheral neuropathy is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, finding that his condition was adequately managed with oral hypoglycemic agents and a regulated diet.

The veteran's non-service connected disabilities, including a chronic low back disorder and obesity, are deemed to render him unemployable. As such, he is not eligible for SDVI.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin, urinary tract infection, eye, vein, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities. The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is reopened.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination regarding his peripheral neuropathy and its relation to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his left S1 radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy, residuals of shell fragment wound of the buttocks, and residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right and left thighs.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the secondary service connection issue.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's peripheral neuropathy and readjudicating both issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting medical evidence regarding ischemic heart disease and incomplete information in the claims file.

The Board granted a rating of 100 percent for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver prior to July 2, 2001 and a rating greater than 60 percent from July 2, 2001. The veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy, and thyroid disorder are found to be proximately due to or the result of service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board found that the veteran's fatal myocardial infarction was not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death. The appellant also failed to meet the requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange, finding that there was no evidence of acute or subacute peripheral neuropathy during his service in Vietnam and that any current condition is not related to his presumed exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's ulnar neuropathy of the left hand does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as it is currently productive of no more than moderate impairment. A separate evaluation of 10 percent for superficial and painful scarring on the left hand is granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly compensation are being remanded due to incomplete development of the record, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a comprehensive examination of her service-connected disorders and consideration of all applicable criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange.