Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation were denied as the earliest date of claim was January 14, 1993.

The Board determined that the veteran's vocational limitations due to his service-connected schizophrenia, combined with multiple medical disorders and lack of formal education since 1975, make it infeasible for him to become gainfully employed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and PTSD, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for peripheral neuropathy. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to grant an increased evaluation for PTSD.

The Board has denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left hand. The new evidence submitted does not directly address whether the injury was due to willful misconduct, and thus does not provide sufficient material to reopen the claim.

The veteran is granted a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to service-connected disabilities. The issue of whether there is new and material evidence to reopen the hearing loss claim has been remanded. Special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance remains denied.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the veteran's L2-L3 fracture, which is the highest schedular rating available based on limitation of motion.

The veteran is seeking service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board has decided that additional development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings, special monthly compensation, and reopening his low back disability claim were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and scheduling a neurological examination.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both legs warrants a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent, but not higher.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible rating of 70 percent, and his left wrist fracture residuals are not entitled to a higher rating. Service connection for carotidynia, low back disorder, variously diagnosed respiratory disorders (including as due to an undiagnosed illness), peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and left upper extremity tremor is granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical evidence and to ensure the appellant's claims folder is reviewed for compliance with previous directives. The case will be reconsidered following this process.

The veteran is entitled to additional special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, effective from July 9, 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for sensory and autonomic neuropathy, finding that the appellant's current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy is at least as likely as not related to his presumed exposure to herbicides. The claim of service connection for malaria remains pending and requires further development.

The VA determined that the veteran's left ulnar neuropathy, postoperative, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for asbestos related lung disease and peripheral neuropathy, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions and concluding that the veteran's symptoms are more likely due to diabetes and alcohol use.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim is denied.

The veteran is seeking restoration of service connection for a fungus infection involving his feet and initial (compensable) evaluations for his service-connected peripheral neuropathies of the right and left lower extremities, which he contends are more disabling than currently evaluated.