Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates, with some issues receiving a 'granted' disposition.

The veteran's prostate cancer, peptic ulcer disease, bronchiectasis, and peripheral neuropathy were not incurred or aggravated during service. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus II warrants a 40 percent disability rating for the period between November 20, 2001 and January 8, 2002. The veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his diabetes mellitus prior to that date or on or after January 9, 2002.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral neuropathy of the feet, residual to frostbite sustained during service in Korea.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. The veteran's erectile dysfunction is due to or the result of his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the effective date for the veteran's VA compensation benefits should be September 11, 2000, as this was the date he elected to receive such benefits. The earlier effective dates requested were denied.

The veteran seeks service connection for prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy, both claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding potential exposure to Agent Orange outside of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records.

The veteran's service connection claims for bilateral pes planus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and a low back disability are all granted.

The Board granted increased evaluations for the veteran's pilonidal cyst and right ulnar neuropathy, both rated at 10 percent.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's residuals of left inguinal hernia repair with ilioinguinal neuropathy, which was previously service-connected.

The veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and a separate rating of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the anterior left thigh is granted effective September 23, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury to both feet, finding that there was no evidence of such an injury during his active military service and concluding that any current peripheral neuropathy is not related to his service.

The veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and CUE in a January 1999 rating decision are being remanded due to the need for VCAA compliance.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for service-connected diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and diabetic retinopathy are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional development.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran developed cerebral/cerebellar atrophy and peripheral neuropathy as a result of exposure to Agent Orange during service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's sensorimotor polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was not shown in service or within one year of separation, and there is no medical evidence of a nexus between any current condition and his service. The psychiatric disability claim was also denied as there were no current signs or symptoms on Axis I or Axis II.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right shoulder, dermatitis (claimed as a skin rash), and vision condition secondary to diabetes mellitus have all been denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or retain gainful employment.