Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and lower extremity neuropathies are currently rated at the minimum levels, with no additional compensable ratings for either condition.

The veteran is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, loss of use of both feet, peripheral neuropathy of the right foot, and neuropathy of the left foot. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and there is no competent evidence linking any diagnosed upper extremity disorder to service or service-connected diabetes. The claim for erectile dysfunction was granted but remains at a noncompensable rating. For neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support an increased disability rating.

The veteran's asthma, chloracne, and peripheral neuropathy were not found to be related to service. Service connection for these conditions was denied. The veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10%.

The Board is unable to determine if the veteran's conditions are related to his military service, as there is insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides and ionizing radiation. The claims for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities will be remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of continuity of symptomatology and the absence of a nexus between current disability and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and polyneuropathy of the left leg, finding no evidence to support these claims. The decision also noted that the veteran had previously been denied service connection for an elevated diaphragm condition in January 1994, but new evidence did not reopen this claim.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development due to a lack of records related to an incident involving a malfunctioning ejection seat in service.

The veteran's small fiber neuropathy is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, residuals of a stroke, prostate disability, and peripheral neuropathy, all secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not establish current disabilities or link them to service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a neurological examination to assess the severity of his right sciatic neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 22, 2004 for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right femoral neuropathy is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's erectile dysfunction is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability, specifically diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and/or hypertension. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for GERD with esophagitis and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral hands and lower extremities, finding that there was no direct or secondary relationship to his military service. The veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% disability rating effective January 12, 2004.

The veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and liver disease due to exposure to Agent Orange is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. The residuals of a cold weather injury with peripheral neuropathy were also denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for visual impairment, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development including notification of VA's duty to assist, updated treatment records, and new VA examinations.

The Board has ordered a new examination to assess the veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease and acute/subacute peripheral polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barre syndrome) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service, particularly given that they did not appear within two years of his exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the right hand and left hand, as well as his claim for a compensable evaluation for chronic nephritis. The appeals are all denied.