Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial evaluations in excess of the assigned ratings for his service-connected left clavicle fracture, left tibia/fibula fracture, and left peroneal nerve neuropathy.

The veteran's service connection claim for residuals of cold injuries, including peripheral neuropathy of the feet, is granted as his current condition is found to be related to his in-service exposure to cold temperatures.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, eye disability, headaches, and psychiatric disability (depression), were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected conditions, including residuals of a stroke to include right hand paresthesia and hemianopia, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are presumed to have been incurred during military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status, which has been granted.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is related to a motor vehicle accident in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible level (100%) due to total occupational and social impairment. The veteran's peripheral neuropathy, presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam, has not been linked to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have acute or subacute peripheral neuropathy, and therefore cannot establish service connection for persistent peripheral neuropathy based on Agent Orange exposure. The claim is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to service, including exposure to herbicides in Vietnam or diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for atherosclerotic heart disease as secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus. The veteran also received increased ratings for his peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tearing and loss of peripheral vision of the right eye, anxiety disorder secondary to service-connected disability, peroneal neuropathy of the right lower extremity, a right hip disorder, and low back disorder are all denied. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left foot fracture is granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the loss of use of his lower extremities, which qualifies him for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and necessary adaptive equipment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine with sciatic neuropathy, acid reflux, and chronic migraine headaches, are not related to his active military service. The veteran was granted service connection for chronic migraine headaches but denied for the other two conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and an earlier effective date were granted. The effective date of service connection for hereditary pressure sensitive neuropathy of the right upper extremity was set at October 17, 2000.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted a higher initial evaluation of 40 percent effective from November 17, 2003. His peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities were also granted increased evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a post-traumatic left knee sprain, finding that his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is incurred in or aggravated by active service as a result of herbicide exposure in service. Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for PTSD and denied the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and service connection for a heart condition. The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and suspiciousness without more severe manifestations.

The veteran's left knee disorder, GERD and gastric polyps, skin disorder, right leg tumor, back disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the hands and shoulders were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.,There is no competent medical evidence linking any of these conditions to his military service.