Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The Board has granted service connection for left foot cellulitis and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to service-connected conditions. The veteran's tinnitus is already at its maximum schedular evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple myeloma, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy. The claim for hemorrhoids was reopened but not granted due to lack of evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hepatitis C and right ulnar neuropathy, do not render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to exposure to herbicides. The Board has determined that further development is needed, including a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining private medical records and VA examination reports.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neuropathy in the hands and wrists is etiologically related to his service-connected cervical spine disability, warranting a grant of service connection.

The veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; syringomyelia from C2 to T8; tetraplegia; neurogenic bladder; neurogenic bowel; and hyperlipidemia were all denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or service connection via the Agent Orange presumption.

The veteran's service-connected cervical spine condition is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on moderate recurrent attacks or incapacitating episodes.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was granted.,The veteran's claims for lower radicular group neuropathy of the left arm and loss of right thumb were both granted with effective dates set at March 30, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance due to lack of evidence showing he is in need of regular aid and attendance.

The veteran is seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, with arthritis. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran met the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU as of July 14, 1997. The effective date for these grants is set at January 1, 1998.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his low back disorder, skin disorder, and peripheral neuropathy.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right fifth metacarpal (dominant) is being remanded due to the need for a medical examination to assess any neurological conditions resulting from the in-service osteotomy.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted the restoration of a 100 percent rating for residuals of Burkitt's lymphoma with cholecystectomy and remanded the remaining issues to the RO. The decision on the tinea unguium pedis claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for adult onset Still's disease and reopened the veteran's claims for other conditions, including a foot disorder, degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spines, residuals of a back injury, heart disease with hypertension, skin disorder, stomach disorder, hearing loss disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The VA granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected neuropathy of the left posterior tibial nerve, effective from November 30, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, as well as his non-service-connected conditions. The RO previously granted a non-service-connected pension.