Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the existence and etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, multiple myeloma, porphyria cutanea tarda, cutaneous vascular disorder, and skin cancer, all potentially related to exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as his conditions do not include loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision, nor does he have ankylosis of the knees or hips.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a need for regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The veteran's appeal for a specific evaluation of left lower extremity neuropathy has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current peripheral neuropathy of the feet is at least as likely as not due to thermal burns incurred during his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease, and diabetic retinopathy. The veteran did not have military service in Vietnam or exposure to herbicides.

The RO granted service connection for the residuals of traumatic optic neuropathy of the right eye and assigned a 10 percent rating effective August 1, 1995.,In November 2004, the RO reduced the veteran's bilateral residuals of traumatic optic neuropathy rating from 50 percent to 0 percent, effective February 1, 2005.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the veteran's right ulnar nerve neuropathy of the interossei muscles status post fractures, effective from November 26, 1997.

The veteran's July 1994 lumbar laminectomy resulted in additional permanent low back disability, including peripheral neuropathy. The Board finds that the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 have been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for nephrolithiasis, left kidney with history of right ureterolithiasis and service connection for vision loss and peripheral neuropathy. The decision also addressed whether there was new and material evidence to reopen a claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, hearing loss, a right knee disorder, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are all denied. The RO is instructed to schedule the veteran for VA examinations to determine if any current conditions are related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy in a January 2004 decision, which was later remanded by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has granted an initial and increased rating of 20 percent for the service-connected left ankle disability, effective from January 17, 2001 to July 29, 2002. The veteran is currently rated at 20 percent for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy and hematuria, but denied service connection for Guillain-Barre syndrome due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU benefits based on these conditions.

The Board determined that the appellant was not entitled to any of the proceeds of the veteran's NSLI policy, and that the appellee was entitled to the full amount of the proceeds.

The Board has denied the veteran's increased disability rating claims for diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound residuals to the left thigh with lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy and retained foreign body warrant a 20 percent evaluation, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8526. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The VA granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD and denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, while his peripheral neuropathy shares symptoms with his service-connected shell fragment wounds.

The veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The RO granted a higher rating of 20 percent for cold injury residuals to both feet from October 7, 1996, to January 11, 1998, but denied ratings in excess of 20 percent for the right and left foot cold injury residuals.