Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for scheduled examinations. The case will be readjudicated based on the evidence added since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Board found that the veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for CIDP and increased ratings for his other disabilities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of cold injury with peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities have been granted, and a 30 percent evaluation has been assigned.,The effective date for the grant of service connection is August 31, 2001.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not allow him to leave his house, and he is seeking special monthly compensation by reason of being housebound. The RO has remanded the case for further development including a VA examination.

The veteran's muscle atrophy of the bilateral lower extremities and neuropathy of the left lower extremity are found to be service-connected as they have continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have diabetic neuropathy, lower extremities as a result of disease or injury incurred during service or secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pulmonary fibrosis and peripheral neuropathy, both claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure. The claim for post traumatic stress disorder was also denied, with the RO finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen this previously denied claim.,No specific rating or effective date is provided in the decision.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right hand disability was denied, and the claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability was also denied. The veteran had mild ulnar neuropathy affecting his right hand but could not work due to pain and limited use of his right hand.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a bilateral knee disability, a heart disability, allergies, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left hands, and asthma due to lack of evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and hypercholesterolemia as secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus (DM). The initial ratings for DM with diabetic retinopathy have been increased, but not beyond the maximum allowed. Ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remain at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for neuropathy of the left shoulder, finding that a current VA examination was necessary to determine the severity of his condition. The veteran failed to submit to scheduled examinations and thus the claim is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, and denied the other issues on appeal. The veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus was not supported by evidence in the record at the time of the last final denial. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is denied.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy based on herbicide exposure. The veteran's claims were not granted as there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II with diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has granted initial ratings for service-connected residuals of frostbite of the feet and hands, with a rating of 10 percent each beginning January 12, 1998 to March 30, 1999; and 20 percent each beginning March 31, 1999. The initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy associated with service-connected frostbite are also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for asbestosis and service connection for peripheral neuropathy secondary to Agent Orange exposure in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, and denied his requests for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus, clinical neuropathy of the lower extremities, and arterial hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current peripheral neuropathy, including whether it is related to service or Agent Orange exposure. The veteran's service-connected disabilities are also being evaluated to determine if they render him in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic vertigo and chronic bilateral lower extremity cold injury residuals including peripheral neuropathy. The veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C is remanded to the RO.