Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2 with diabetic nephropathy and microalbuminuria is currently rated at 20 percent. Separate noncompensable evaluations are assigned for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction as a residual of diabetes.

The veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities are granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea is not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right ulnar neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of whether extra-schedular considerations are warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and post-traumatic encephalopathy.

The veteran's service-connected porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The VA has also granted service connection for other skin conditions and peripheral neuropathy, all of which are considered presumptive based on herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and a circulatory disorder, finding no evidence of these conditions in service or that they are related to service-connected diabetes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for heart disability, peripheral neuropathy, elbow disorder, and right hip disorder. The Board found no current evidence of these conditions and concluded that they were not related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The VA has granted a 10 percent evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and a 20 percent evaluation for neuropathy with weakness of the left lower extremity. The evaluations are effective from December 14, 1994, and September 23, 2002 respectively.

The Board found that the veteran's currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not related to his active service or any incident thereof, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Maria Parham Hospital from October 27, 2001 to November 1, 2001 are denied as he could have been safely transferred to a VA facility for treatment.

The veteran is seeking service connection for acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy that he believes is related to herbicide exposure. The case has been remanded due to the need for a hearing before a veterans law judge.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for neuropathy of the tibial and peroneal nerves of the left lower extremity or a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a left tibia fracture. The veteran's conditions are currently rated appropriately.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple joint aches and pains, peripheral neuropathy, and colon disorder. The appeals were not granted.

The veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the upper extremities is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling for each extremity. The medical evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The veteran is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of evidence, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The veteran's service-connected right foot and ankle disability is being reviewed for an increased rating.

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted, including organic brain damage, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, multiple joint pain, tinnitus, chronic diarrhea, and headaches.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for sensorimotor polyneuropathy, bilateral lower extremities, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, impotence, vision problems, prostate problems, and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, all claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or to Agent Orange exposure.