Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple lipomas, lung disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities (peripheral neuropathy), and testicle disability, all related to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy, which he claims is due to his exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam. The Board has ordered additional development of the record and a VA examination to determine if there is a link between the veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the RO's denial of service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy claimed as secondary to service-connected type II diabetes mellitus was not supported by evidence, and further development is needed.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for hearing loss, diabetic polyneuropathy of the legs, and surgical residuals of the right knee were denied. The Board found no evidence to support a finding that any current disabilities are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to procedural issues, including a duty to notify under the VCAA.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and compensable ratings for his service-connected traumatic neuropathy of the left hand and gunshot wounds to the left lower extremity, finding that the evidence did not warrant higher evaluations based on the current level of disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural deficiencies and the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's peripheral neuropathy.

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

The VA has granted a 30 percent evaluation for right ulnar neuropathy secondary to a gunshot wound, effective June 15, 2004.

The veteran is seeking compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right arm and hand neuropathy, as well as neuropathy of legs and feet, both related to his February 1999 coronary artery bypass graft surgery at a VA Medical Center. The case has been remanded for further examination and review.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, which he claims is secondary to herbicide exposure during his Vietnam service. The VA has ordered a remand due to the uncertainty of the etiology and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus with onychomycosis and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus II with sensorimotor polyneuropathy, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and could not be presumed to have been caused by exposure to herbicides.

The Board found no evidence of a bilateral eye disability, optic neuropathy, or glaucoma in service and denied the claim for service connection. The veteran's PTSD was also not granted as service connected.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel Board hearing as to the issues of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, both hands due to herbicide exposure and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy secondary to Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance or on housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board restored the veteran's original 30 percent evaluation for residuals of a right wrist fracture and remanded the issue of an earlier effective date to the RO.

The veteran's claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to determine the identity and etiology of any left shoulder disorder.