Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left arms was found not to meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent from February 20, 2004 until June 20, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates ranging from October 15, 1979 to May 19, 1994. The Veteran is also entitled to a compensable rating for peritonitis since June 18, 1989.

The Board found that the Veteran's hip disability and sciatic neuropathy were not incurred in or aggravated due to active service, nor were they incurred or aggravated due to other service connected disabilities. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between the current conditions and service.

The Veteran's PTSD is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, leading to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Veteran is granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD from April 11, 2001.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have current peripheral neuropathy and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination for his PTSD and to consider the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disability, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities. The appeal was based on exposure to herbicides in service but no such exposure is presumed.

The Veteran's initial service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was granted with 10 percent evaluations effective February 17, 2003. The Board found that separate 10 percent ratings were warranted for each leg until May 19, 2008, when they were increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for median neuropathy of the left wrist is denied as there is no credible evidence linking his current condition to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, including ED and sleep apnea, as they were not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right carpal tunnel syndrome/neuropathy is not linked to her service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his active service, including exposure to herbicides. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and its secondary effects on other conditions have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorders, including arthritis, neuropathy, corns, and onychomycosis, are not related to his military service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or were aggravated by his active duty.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The October 2004 rating decision denying these claims remains final.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and related conditions are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The acquired psychiatric disability is linked to the service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his military service or herbicide exposure, and thus denied the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's left leg nerve damage resulted from his coronary artery bypass graft performed at a VA medical facility in April 2001, and determined it was caused by carelessness or lack of proper skill on the part of VA. The decision granted compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the case for a video-conference hearing before a member of the Board at the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy because the medical evidence did not show a diagnosis of PTSD meeting clinical criteria, and because peripheral neuropathy was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.