Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claims for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and a heart condition secondary to bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, degenerative arthritis of the hands, and degenerative arthritis of the shoulders as these conditions were not incurred in active service, to include as residuals of cold injury.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and denied claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, a urinary disorder, and a speech disorder. The veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for fracture of the inferior and superior rami of the left pelvis.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity neuropathy, as the evidence showed no more than mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board remands the claim for a medical examination and opinion to determine if the veteran's acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy is related to service, including solvent exposure.

The veteran withdrew the appeal before a decision was made.

The appeal as to claims for higher initial ratings for the veteran's service-connected disabilities was denied on jurisdictional grounds due to a lack of timely substantive appeal.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied because the evidence did not establish that her peripheral neuropathy was caused by VA treatment at the Prescott Vet Center.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of PTSD or peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's current bilateral compressive femoral neuropathy is not related to his 2002 surgery, concluding instead that it is secondary to diabetes.

Service connection for optic atrophy and/or optic neuropathy of the right eye is not granted as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during service or for many years following discharge.,Service connection for dizzy spells, disorientation, fatigue, insomnia, memory loss and leg cramps is denied as there is no medical evidence linking these symptoms to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause his death, nor contribute substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and erectile dysfunction are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, warranting a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a hip disability, low back disability, amputation of the right big toe, amputation of toes of the left foot, or recurrent ulcerations of the feet that are attributable to military service. Diabetes mellitus and arteriosclerotic heart disease were not shown within one year of separation from active duty.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to a partial waiver of recovery of the overpayment of compensation benefits in the calculated amount of $58,824. Recovery of the remaining amount of the overpayment, in the calculated amount of $50,279, would not be against equity and good conscience.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to exposure to herbicides. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination and consideration of all evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is at least as likely as not related to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The VA examiner found that the veteran has peripheral neuropathy and that it is more likely than not related to exposure to herbicides during service. This evidence supports granting service connection for peripheral neuropathy.

The Board granted service connection for the claimed conditions and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance due to diabetes mellitus. Accrued benefits were not payable.