Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Marfan's syndrome, a skin disability to include as due to herbicide exposure, and peripheral neuropathy to include as due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection based on presumptive exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private hospitalization reports.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to address the relationship between his service-connected right peroneal neuropathy and any left knee condition. The claims for depression secondary to prostate cancer and for a left knee disability are also pending.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to clarify the diagnosis and likely etiology of the veteran's claimed peripheral sensory neuropathy, which may be related to Agent Orange exposure. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities was found to not meet criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 27, 2007. The condition has been rated as moderate incomplete paralysis since November 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's ischemic optic neuropathy, chorioretinitis, and residuals of a cerebral vascular accident are not related to his exposure to ionizing radiation in service. Therefore, these conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied increased disability evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities associated with type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied increased disability evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities associated with type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's ovarian cancer, cardiac disability (coronary artery disease), paresthesias in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy), and headaches (migraine headaches) are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and her military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of both feet, and hypertension are not supported by the evidence of record.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain missing VA examination and treatment records, including an EMG report from December 31, 2003. A new VA peripheral nerves examination is also required.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease with a history of recurring lumbosacral strain and left leg neuropathy, are productive of moderate impairment. The veteran is granted a TDIU based on his unemployability due to severe back disability.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and diabetes mellitus type II have been granted increased ratings, with the erectile dysfunction rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, peripheral neuropathy (to include as secondary to Agent Orange exposure), and an initial compensable evaluation for urticaria. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish that the veteran's current conditions are related to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper and bilateral lower extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The condition was initially demonstrated years after service.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Cleveland Clinic Hospital on July 18, 2004 were reimbursed because the treatment was for a serious condition that posed a threat to his health and no VA facility was available.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have peripheral vascular disease or retinopathy, and thus denied his claims for service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted initial 10 percent ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, effective December 29, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for lumbar disc disease and service connection for right lower radicular neuropathy. The RO had previously granted service connection for right lower radicular neuropathy, but did not assign a disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including pain in both legs, back pain, dizziness and forgetfulness, and residuals of a head injury, were not incurred or aggravated during his period of service. The evidence does not support a nexus between any current diagnoses and service.