Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that further development is needed before a decision can be made on the merits of the veteran's claims for service connection for cold injury and peripheral neuropathy of the lower legs.

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

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the appellant's right leg nerve disability, and thus remands the case for further development.

The veteran's service-connected sensory/motor polyneuropathy of the right and left feet is currently rated at 20 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on moderate impairment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and rating assignments, finding that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen previously denied claims or establish service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are of a nature and severity so as to preclude the performance of all types of substantially gainful employment in keeping with his education and occupational experience, warranting a total rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions are not etiologically related to his military service or exposure to toxic herbicides.

The Board has granted a 70% disability rating for the veteran's residuals, multiple fractures of pelvis, left ischium, left acetabulum, left femoral head, with arthritis of left hip and neuropathy left peroneal nerve.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from September 27, 2001 to September 28, 2001 are eligible for payment or reimbursement due to the emergency nature of his chest pain and the lack of feasible VA facilities.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current dysthymic disorder or peripheral neuropathy of the left leg related to military service and denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and motor sensory neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining recent treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's nerve damage to the left arm, claimed as proximal nerve neuropathy, was not caused by VA fault or an event not reasonably foreseeable. Therefore, the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The case is remanded to the RO via the AMC for further administrative appellate review due to failure to properly notify the appellant of information and evidence necessary to substantiate his claim, and in failing to provide a complete medical examination.

The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease, and the veteran's current peripheral neuropathy is not presumed to have been incurred during service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to uncertainty regarding the veteran's service in Vietnam and his exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the case should be returned to the RO for further development and consideration, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current cerebellar ataxia with peripheral neuropathy.