Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2006

The Board found that the veteran's neuropathy of the right upper extremity was present prior to service and not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of nerve disability of the right ankle cannot be granted as no claim was received prior to March 9, 1999.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current disabilities.

The Board has granted separate 10 percent evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, effective from October 16, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, depression, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The veteran's preexisting spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis was not aggravated by service, and there is no evidence linking his current diagnoses to service or a service-connected condition.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and cirrhosis of the liver, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,The veteran's claims for reopening service connection for testicular cancer and post traumatic stress disorder were also denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The veteran's appeal for higher initial disability evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities prior to November 2, 1998 was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and therefore service connection is denied for all issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's December 12, 2003 treatment was for a service-connected disability and met the criteria for emergency medical services. As such, payment or reimbursement is granted.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and skin rashes as these issues have been resolved by a prior decision granting service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy, below the knee amputation (left), and amputated toes on the right foot are related to exposure to extreme cold during service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 40 percent for residuals of coccygectomy, including chronic lumbosacral strain and right sciatic neuropathy. The current rating of 40 percent has been maintained.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite of the feet and neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding no current residuals or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's ischemic optic neuropathy is not related to service or any incident of service origin, including exposure to herbicides or radiation.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left ilio-inguinal neuropathy were denied.

The appeal was remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a local hearing officer.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for Type I diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and impotence, to include whether separate evaluations are warranted for diabetic complications, is being remanded for additional development.