Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy secondary to Agent Orange exposure, but it is unclear whether this decision grants or denies the original claim as the issue of service connection remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and service connection for diabetic neuropathy of both lower extremities are inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim.

The veteran is seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and arthritis of the knees, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected residuals of cold weather injuries in the lower extremities. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to clarify whether service connection has been established for these disabilities and to obtain an opinion on their etiology.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for sinusitis. The veteran's current diagnosis of sinusitis is not shown to be related to his active military service, as there is no evidence of chronic or continuing sinusitis in service or after service. However, the Board finds that ulnar neuropathy of the right hand is likely caused by the veteran's service-connected shell fragment wounds to the right humerus and grants this claim.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the legs, and PTSD were denied. Service connection for a back disorder was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's ischemic optic neuropathy is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, a visual disorder, gastrointestinal disability, and chloracne due to exposure to Agent Orange. The appeals for special monthly compensation due to loss of use of a creative organ are remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others denied. The veteran was granted service connection for various conditions but had his hearing loss rating continued at noncompensable level.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, lung disorder, bowel disorder, bladder disorder, and skin disorder (other than tinea cruris), all of which are claimed to be due to Agent Orange herbicide exposure. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for diabetic retinopathy and an effective date prior to July 18, 2001 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The veteran seeks service connection for left hand neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and polycystic ovary disease. She also requests an increased evaluation for her ganglionectomy residuals. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule examinations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a dental examination to assess the extent of bone loss in his jaw.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of the veteran's claimed peripheral neuropathy, including whether it is related to his active service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not present during service or for many years thereafter, and is neither caused nor aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination, including addressing secondary service connection claims for multiple conditions associated with diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of type II diabetes mellitus, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral diabetic neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange was granted by the RO on February 20, 2003 with an effective date of May 8, 2001. The veteran's original claim for service connection was received in June 19, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus (DM). The case is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to acquired immune deficiency syndrome and peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.