Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The current effective date remains unchanged as no earlier effective date claim was timely filed.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right legs were denied, but he was granted a 10 percent rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease.,The veteran's peripheral neuropathy is currently rated as 10 percent disabling due to mild incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve in both legs. His coronary artery disease is currently rated at 10 percent based on no symptoms at rest or exercise.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be productive of an overall level of impairment that more nearly approximates that of the veteran being precluded from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with educational and work experience. Therefore, a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is granted.

The Board granted service connection for left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy with muscle ataxia, right lower extremity sciatic neuropathy with muscle ataxia, and a tender scar in the thoracolumbar area. A temporary 100% rating was also granted from July 19, 2002 through September 30, 2002.

The veteran's initial disability rating for residuals of a right axillary lymph node biopsy is denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The veteran's numbness of the oral distribution of the trigeminal nerve with dysesthesias of the right tongue is also denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and earlier effective dates in several issues, including her service-connected scoliosis of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy with muscle ataxia, right lower extremity sciatic neuropathy with muscle ataxia, tender scar in the thoracolumbar area, TDIU, DEA, and temporary total rating for surgical treatment. The Board found that her symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or earlier effective dates.

The veteran's claimed cardiac disability, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension are not found to be related to his active service or to a service-connected condition. Service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected frostbite or cold injury, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is moderately severe, requiring large insulin dosage and restricted diet. The disability requires regulation of occupational activities due to Charcot joint disease. The Board granted an initial 40 percent rating for diabetes mellitus with impotence.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected residuals of an excision of an osteoma of the left iliac crest, including lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy, do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service in Korea from December 1945 to February 1946 supports his claim for residuals of a cold injury, including neuropathy and mycotic infection of the toenails. As such, the appeal is granted.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including as due to herbicide exposure, has been withdrawn. The case is remanded for further development regarding the issues of skin disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 100 percent, indicating total occupational impairment. The claims for service connection for malnutrition, dysentery, and helminthiasis have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, gastrointestinal issues, and other disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding of service origin or association with any presumptive exposure.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing at the RO. The case will then be returned to the Board.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for schizophrenia and right radial neuropathy. The claims are granted.

The veteran's service-connected herniated disc at L5-S1 is pronounced and manifests severe pain, muscle spasms, and sciatic neuropathy in the left leg. The Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Peyronie's disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy, sensory polyneuropathy, nicotine dependence, chronic respiratory disorder (likely COPD with bronchitis), and a low back disorder. The appeals were withdrawn by the veteran.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of acute or subacute peripheral neuropathy and concluding that the veteran's current diagnosis is not related to his in-service exposure to herbicides.