Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The veteran was granted a 20% disability rating for residuals of right foot frostbite with neuropathy.,Service connection for residuals of frostbite to hands, varicose veins, lumbosacral strain, right ankle condition, left ankle condition, fatigue and lack of sleep, post-operative residuals of left knee torn meniscus, depression, and hypertension were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that his condition was not related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The veteran's initial rating for type II diabetes mellitus was denied, but a higher rating of 40 percent effective February 13, 2004, was granted.,The veteran's claim for erectile dysfunction secondary to his diabetes mellitus was denied.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records and VA medical center records. The RO must also schedule examinations to determine the current level of disability due to diabetes mellitus, post-surgical scar, eye disability, and asthma.

The veteran's claims of increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II and individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need for further examination and development.

The veteran is seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange in service. The case must be remanded for further development and review.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than November 18, 1999 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. The skin disability claim is pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including verification of exposure to toxic agents during service and examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for service connection of axonal peripheral polyneuropathy, which was granted on August 28, 1996. The case has been remanded to the RO due to procedural deficiencies.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, peripheral neuropathy, and a skin disorder. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen his previously denied claim for a psychiatric disorder.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation, service connection for residuals of cold injury to the ears, and secondary service connection for a right hip disorder were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link between his in-service experiences and any present conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's claim for specially adapted housing assistance or a special home adaptation grant is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy of the feet are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence showing their onset during or within one year after service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The veteran's disability ratings do not meet the eligibility requirements for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, and a back disorder. The denial is based on the lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors related to PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange, and for an increased rating for dermatitis of the hands, arms, thighs, and buttocks. The evidence received since the November 1997 decision was not considered new and material.

The veteran is seeking service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected left ulnar styloid process fracture. He also seeks an increased rating for his left wrist disability.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of multiple joints and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that any symptoms from trauma in service were acute and transitory without producing chronic disability.