Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her mitral valve prolapse and herniated disc, C6-7 with neuropathy. The current rating of 30 percent for mitral valve prolapse is found to be appropriate based on the clinical evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's coronary artery disease and bilateral peripheral neuropathy were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board found that the veteran's seizure disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar fault. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding in favor of compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, muscle deterioration, a skin condition, and PTSD due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and PTSD, finding no evidence of a causal relationship to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was also denied.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred in or related to his service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for immersion foot and peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) in Vietnam. The case will be further developed with a medical opinion regarding the cause of his current peripheral neuropathy.

The veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a right foot injury is granted. The Board also grants an increased rating to 60 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with hyperlordosis, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the effective date of the grant being unknown. The conditions are related to her exposure to organophosphates during her Gulf War service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right knee disability related to his military service and finds no evidence of a compensable cervical spine disability. The claims for depression, left arm peripheral neuropathy, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and COPD/asthma are deferred pending completion of development.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his military service, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's claim for increased evaluations of diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder, pre-existing bilateral hearing loss did not increase in severity during service, and there is no evidence of a current skin rash or peripheral neuropathy related to herbicide exposure. The veteran's pre-existing hearing impairment was considered to be aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, a back disorder, hepatitis C, arthritis of the shoulders and hips, as well as his attempt to reopen his claim for pilonidal cysts. The evidence did not establish current disability or link these conditions to active duty service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude employment consistent with his education and occupational experience, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance or her housebound status is denied as she does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for restoration of a 10% evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for bilateral hand disability (claimed as peripheral neuropathy), and service connection for bilateral knee disability. The reduction in his hearing loss rating was upheld.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not due to or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine strain. The claim for an increased rating for lumbar spine strain with limited motion was continued at a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted effective dates of March 2, 2001 for a separate 10 percent rating for left lateral femorocutaneous neuropathy and a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected shell fragment wound of the right rhomboideus muscle and neuropathy of the right upper extremity do not warrant a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.