Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2006

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of his right and left lower extremities, finding that the evidence does not support ratings in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has granted a 40 percent disability rating for the veteran's sciatica of the left lower extremity, effective September 23, 2002. The veteran's low back disability claim includes complaints and contentions with respect to both orthopedic and neurologic symptomatology.

The veteran has withdrawn their appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied all the issues related to increased ratings for various conditions of the veteran's left leg and knee, including shell fragment wounds and neuropathy. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate based on the evidence showing no more than moderate impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sciatic neuropathy of the right lower extremity warrants a 20 percent evaluation, as it is characterized by symptoms such as pain and weakness. The disability does not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated neuropathy of the left lower extremity was granted, with a 40 percent evaluation assigned effective February 8, 2002, for both conditions. The decision also noted that there were no incapacitating episodes or other factors warranting higher ratings.

The Board found no evidence of current peripheral neuropathy and denied the veteran's claim for service connection, finding that his symptoms were not related to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including as secondary to herbicide exposure due to a lack of medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy, upper and lower extremities, is not a result of or proximately due to his service-connected residuals, gunshot wound, right calf, muscle group XI, with retained foreign body. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing right foot and leg disorders, diagnosed as denervation of the dorsiflexors and peroneal neuropathy, clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service. The Board also determined that there was no increase in severity during military service, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case without prejudice.

The veteran seeks a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, but the RO did not consider all relevant evidence and needs to obtain additional medical records before proceeding with the claim.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for various joint conditions and peripheral neuropathy due to B-12 deficiency, finding that the evidence did not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiac chamber enlargement, bilateral pes planus (claimed as left foot pain), impotence (claimed as left foot pain), chondromalacia and a torn meniscus of the left knee, and a left hip condition. The claim for an increased rating for ilioinguinal nerve neuropathy was also denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected injuries, including a depression fracture of the occipital region of the skull and multiple shrapnel wounds to various parts of his body, have resulted in chronic conditions such as post-traumatic headache disorder, peripheral neuropathy, and scars. These findings support granting service connection for these disabilities.

The veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 for left upper extremity ulnar neuropathy and an increased evaluation for a left ankle disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records and VA medical records, and to schedule the veteran for appropriate examinations.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, but determined that the effective dates should be set at February 12, 2001.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.