Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2004

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The veteran's other claims of increased evaluations and separate evaluation for diabetic retinopathy are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The veteran seeks compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, claimed due to VA medical treatment. The case is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeals on all issues related to service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and PTSD due to his request for withdrawal. The veteran served in Vietnam and was exposed to combat-related stressors, which led to a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, as well as his claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction. The decision also addressed a claim for diabetic retinopathy but did not issue a SOC.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are found to be sufficient to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The appeal is granted.

The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a fractured right wrist, with scars, foreign body under the skin, and abrasions of the upper forearm. The initial disability rating for his service-connected right ulnar neuropathy remains at 10 percent.

The Board denied the reopening of a previously denied claim for service connection for multiple claimed residuals of Agent Orange exposure, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy and for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The RO continued a 20 percent evaluation for diabetes mellitus and granted service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy with noncompensable ratings.

The veteran's claims for disability benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied in final decisions, and new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claims.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the appellant through his representative.

The Board has granted service connection for polyneuropathy and carotid artery disease as secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The RO granted a 30 percent rating for right knee replacement effective October 1, 2004. The veteran's other claims were denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's right ulnar neuropathy, including severe weakness and atrophy, was chronically worsened as a result of VA surgery in July 1993. The evidence is at least in equipoise whether this worsening represents an actual aggravation or chronic increase in severity rather than coincidental with the surgery.

The veteran claims service connection for low back disability, including degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the spine with mild sensory motor neuropathy. The case is being remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding causation and to review the issue under VA's General Counsel's opinion in VAOPGCPREC 3-2003.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development due to VCAA compliance issues and consideration of secondary service connection theories.

The Board denied all the claims, including service connection for various conditions and reopening of certain disability claims. The denial was based on lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's common peroneal neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and an increased evaluation in excess of this rating is denied.,The veteran's traumatic arthritis of the left knee with decreased range of motion is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, and an increased evaluation in excess of this rating is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and secondary conditions due to exposure to chemicals during his service aboard the USS Granville S. Hall, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to chemical exposure.