Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, currently rated at 40 percent disabling, does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected optic neuropathy of the left eye is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling and denied an increased evaluation.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for his service-connected post-traumatic left long thoracic neuropathy, internal derangement of the left shoulder, and residuals of post-traumatic synovitis with carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability, GERD, and COPD as secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for peripheral neuropathy is pending, and obesity does not meet VA criteria for an injury.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the arms and legs, and bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy were denied. The veteran was also denied service connection for a stroke secondary to his diabetes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, headaches, and a low back disorder, all claimed as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The appeals were based on presumptive service connection.

The Board found that the ischemic optic neuropathy of the right eye was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or fault in prescribing medication at the Ann Arbor VAMC in early 2001.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and readjudicating his claims of service connection for left leg burn scars and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and examination reports.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for periodontal disease and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the arms and hands, both secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding no evidence linking the condition to service or within the presumptive period following service.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, finding that the conditions are no more than mild.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, peripheral neuropathy and hypercoagulation with persistent blood clotting, did not occur during service or within one year of service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment. Additionally, there is no evidence of herbicide exposure related to the veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has granted a separate 20 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy in each arm, effective from November 24, 1999. A separate 10 percent rating, but no more, for peripheral neuropathy in each leg is granted, effective from November 24, 1999, through January 13, 2001.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, with diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities and erectile dysfunction, does not warrant a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, providing corrective VCAA notice, and re-adjudicating the claims.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and thus denied his claim for TDIU.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a cold injury (frostbite) of the feet. The veteran's current peripheral neuropathy, ulcers, and vascular disease are at least as likely as not related to his in-service cold injury.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for a back disability, peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disorder, and digestive disorder. The claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left elbow fracture, ulnar neuropathy of the left arm and hand, and gunshot wound to the right shoulder are denied. The preponderance of evidence does not support an increase in disability rating.