Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-operative residuals of a left hand and wrist injury with left median neuropathy more nearly approximates disability consistent with moderate incomplete nerve paralysis, warranting a 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's demyelinating polyneuropathy with impotency is related to his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, and grants service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including review of his claims file and a VA examination. The issues on appeal are service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes cavus and an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative changes and radiculopathy.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, small and large bowel resection, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and cataracts as residuals of Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not establish a current diagnosis or link to military service.

The Board found that the reduction in evaluation from 20% to 0% was procedurally correct and that improvement in the veteran's clinical picture was shown at the time of the reduction. Therefore, restoration of a 20% rating is not warranted.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for HHD was denied, and his claim for a T/R due to service-connected disabilities was also denied. The RO found that the veteran's HHD is currently rated at 60 percent disabling, which meets the minimum schedular criteria for a T/R but does not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and asthma, peripheral neuropathy, and left ear hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and readjudication of the issues on appeal.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal for service connection for hearing loss and an increased (compensable) evaluation for erectile dysfunction. The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II is granted with a 20 percent rating prior to May 2, 2006.

The veteran is seeking service connection for his peripheral neuropathy, which he contends is secondary to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The Board has ordered additional development of private treatment records and proper notice under Dingess v. Nicholson.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed Vietnam service and determine if he is eligible for presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claim for service connection for various disorders, including diabetes mellitus and visual neuropathy, was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction, arterial hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The claims were also denied regarding reopening of the peripheral neuropathy claims due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for increased evaluations and service connection are moot.

The veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, resulting from hypercholesterolemia during service, is granted. His spine disability remains at a 50% rating and his sciatic neuropathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 10%. The claims are all granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy, including acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right leg, and peripheral neuropathy of the left leg. The medical evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or any presumptive exposure.

The veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and therefore DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected cervical spine disability with neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is being remanded due to unclear assignment of the rating, as well as the need for clarification on the severity of neurological impairment.

The Board has determined that the current medical evidence is insufficient to properly determine the appropriate initial disability ratings for the veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records, including SSA records and VA examination results.