Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, may not be presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by active service, and is not proximately due to service connected status post aortic valve replacement with history of rheumatic fever.

The veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange was denied. His claim for an increased evaluation for gastroenteritis with headaches was granted at a 10% rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors or exposure to toxic herbicides. The claim for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred in or aggravated during active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. The claim for an initial compensable rating for residuals of partial removal of the left lung is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and pain in the lower extremities, but granted a 60% disability rating for asbestosis. The veteran's claim for total disability based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not caused or worsened by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for left elbow internal derangement and determined that new evidence supports this reopening. The veteran's left elbow internal derangement was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as it existed prior to service. The right elbow disability, depression and anxiety, and hearing loss were also not found to be related to service.

The Board finds that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities is related to service, specifically to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran also has skin cancer which may be linked to his exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and to reopen his service connection claims for thyroid condition, heart condition, peripheral neuropathy, and dermatitis. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from various VA facilities and Georgetown University Medical Center.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The issue of entitlement to ratings in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities remains pending as the RO has not yet issued a Statement of the Case.

The Board found that the veteran's current autoimmune diseases are not causally related to his service-connected rheumatic fever and streptococcal infection, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any of the conditions he is seeking service connection for, and therefore, these claims are denied.

The Board found no evidence of cold injury residuals or bilateral peripheral neuropathy related to service. The veteran's left leg disability is not shown to be due to disease or injury incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection claims, including verification of the veteran's exposure to Agent Orange and port calls in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as a result of exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) during active service, finding that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure and his current diabetic peripheral neuropathy is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of cold injury to the left and right upper extremities, as well as separate evaluations for a scar on the left shoulder and damage to muscle group XVII in the left buttock. Peripheral neuropathy due to cold injury is also granted with separate evaluations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a chronic disease within the presumptive period. The veteran also failed to meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance have been remanded due to a procedural defect. He is requested to provide his preference regarding a hearing.

The Board has denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy as due to exposure to herbicides, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for Parkinson's disease and peripheral neuropathy due to lead-based paint exposure, as there was no clinical or medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.