Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The Board granted the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits effective from April 3, 2001. The decision was based on his current diagnoses of amnestic disorder/dementia and other physical conditions.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hypothyroidism was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of his radiation therapy for larynx cancer in 1993, but denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 as it did not meet the criteria for negligence or carelessness on part of VA.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's low back, mid back, right shoulder, and right elbow disabilities are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of such condition during his military service and not meeting any presumptive conditions due to herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for residuals of cold injury, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left feet were denied. The claim to reopen service connection for bilateral pes planus was also denied.

The Board found no evidence of peripheral neuropathy within the presumptive period following service, and concluded that it is not related to Agent Orange exposure. The veteran's current diagnosis of chronic peripheral neuropathy is attributed to hepatitis C, which has been previously denied as service-connected.

The Board has denied service connection for traumatic arthritis and peripheral neuropathy, but granted service connection for beriberi heart disease for the purpose of accrued benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple myeloma, Type I diabetes mellitus, nephropathy, uremia and renal artery stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and coronary artery disease as due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's reported stressors were sufficient to have caused his PTSD. The other claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, skin disability, and liver disability due to exposure to herbicides are being remanded for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of hands and feet, finding it likely related to exposure to cold during military service. The other claims remain pending.

The Board has granted the veteran's applications to reopen his claims of service connection for a back disorder and bilateral leg neuropathy. The RO will be directed to attempt to obtain medical records from Drs. C.B. and R.B.

The veteran's nonservice-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for pulmonary fibrosis and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, as well as the PTSD claim, need to be remanded due to outstanding records from the Social Security Administration. The issue regarding excision of a knot on the neck and special monthly pension based on aid and attendance is also being remanded.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's status post left ulnar tip amputation, effective July 16, 1998. The issue of higher evaluation remains in appellate status.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for diabetes mellitus and found the veteran in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including severe neuropathy affecting multiple extremities. The veteran's diabetes requires insulin therapy, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA neurological examination to determine if any current disability manifested by peripheral neuropathy is related to service or preexisted service and underwent an increase in disability as a result of such service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for cerebral palsy and found new and material evidence. The issue of service connection for cervical and lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylosis and neuropathy will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeals due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the appellant prior to any decision being made.