Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The veteran's service-connected right thigh shell fragment wound residuals are currently rated at 10 percent, but the RO has determined that a higher rating of 30 percent is warranted.,The veteran's service-connected right peroneal neuropathy is currently rated at 60 percent. The RO found that this rating is appropriate given the severity and nature of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy, acute intermittent porphyria, and a lung disability as secondary to herbicide exposure. The RO will continue to consider these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathy, both claimed as due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's seizure disorder, finding it secondary to a pre-existing condition.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings due to incomplete development of her medical records and failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, claimed as cold injury residuals. The RO also assigned a 30 percent rating for tinea pedis effective from September 24, 1999, and an earlier effective date of December 28, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of right carpal tunnel syndrome and an earlier effective date for a 10% disability rating for residuals of right metacarpal fracture, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a causal relationship between the current disabilities and the service-connected condition.

The case is being remanded for further VA examinations and the provision of additional treatment records to determine the severity of the veteran's diabetes mellitus and its complications, including diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension. The RO will then review the claim for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude him from obtaining or retaining a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability rating for compensation purposes.

The veteran's disabilities, including diabetic neuropathy and degenerative joint disease of the extremity joints, have resulted in substantial confinement to his dwelling and immediate premises. The Board has granted special monthly pension on account of being housebound.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, respiratory disability (asthma and emphysema), eye disability, and brain disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by wartime service. The Board also found no evidence to support a presumption of service connection due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional notification and development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for balance problems (diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy and Meniere's syndrome) and weakness, fatigue, and memory loss. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and peripheral neuropathy, including as due to herbicide exposure, require additional development. The case is being remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for a VA endocrinologist examination and for any other necessary actions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection of a right shoulder condition and a right eye scotoma are not addressed in this decision. The claim for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted with a 10% evaluation, but it does not specify whether the issue pertains to the knee itself or another overlapping condition. The claim for service connection of right ulnar neuropathy with involvement at the elbow is also not addressed in this decision.

The Board found that the veteran's right common peroneal neuropathy with footdrop and neuropathic pain was incurred in service, resolving doubt in favor of the claim.