Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2008

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities effective December 16, 2006. Prior to this date, separate 10 percent evaluations were in effect.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a fatty tumor of the right hand, neuropathy of the right hand, and prostate disorder. The veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus due to presumed exposure to herbicides. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus is also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for anterior ischemic optic neuropathy of the right eye, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of numbness or peripheral neuropathy of the left hand, nor a rash on his hands and feet. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and feet are being remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and bilateral peripheral neuropathy, finding no current diagnoses of these conditions. The appeal is based on presumed exposure to herbicides during active duty in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current idiopathic sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy disorder, including whether it is related to exposure to herbicides in service. The veteran was provided with notice of what type of information and evidence was needed to substantiate his claim for service connection.

The veteran's residuals of cold injuries to the right and left hands are found to be related to service, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have neuropathy of the left or right leg, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete information regarding the veteran's claimed stressors and need for further examination of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and verifying service dates. The veteran's claims for psychiatric disability, cardiovascular disability, and diabetes mellitus are pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from the Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Postal Service regarding his disability benefits, and readjudicating his claims for service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is secondary to his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a right ear hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, bilateral, hypertension, PTSD, residuals of a fragment wound of the dorsal spine with degenerative changes, residuals of a fragment wound of the left wrist with retained metallic foreign body, and diabetic retinopathy. The veteran's claims were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or service-connected disabilities.

The veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions are related to service or exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations and effective dates related to his service-connected conditions have been granted. The specific conditions include diabetes mellitus type 2, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and skin conditions.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of his right and left upper extremities, finding that there was no evidence of mild impairment warranting a compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left upper extremity ulnar neuropathy, special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate, and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for hepatitis C associated with glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome, hypertension, and heart disease. The Board found that there was no evidence to support service connection due to lack of a direct link between the veteran's active duty service or his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's bilateral hip strains are reasonably related to her service-connected neuropathy involving the lower extremities, and she is granted service connection for this condition.