Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his low back disorder, skin disorder, and peripheral neuropathy.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right fifth metacarpal (dominant) is being remanded due to the need for a medical examination to assess any neurological conditions resulting from the in-service osteotomy.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted the restoration of a 100 percent rating for residuals of Burkitt's lymphoma with cholecystectomy and remanded the remaining issues to the RO. The decision on the tinea unguium pedis claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for adult onset Still's disease and reopened the veteran's claims for other conditions, including a foot disorder, degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spines, residuals of a back injury, heart disease with hypertension, skin disorder, stomach disorder, hearing loss disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The VA granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected neuropathy of the left posterior tibial nerve, effective from November 30, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, as well as his non-service-connected conditions. The RO previously granted a non-service-connected pension.

The Board found that the veteran's current conditions are as likely as not related to his service, specifically cold injuries sustained during active duty in Antarctica. The decision grants service connection for residuals of frostbite.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with fatigue and memory loss, headaches, and the veteran's Gulf War exposure. Service connection was denied for peripheral neuropathy or neurological symptoms of the lower extremities due to an undiagnosed illness and residuals of a left inguinal hernia.

The veteran is seeking earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities. The case is being remanded to address these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic bronchitis warrants a 100% evaluation, while his status post right arm gunshot wound with ulnar and medial nerve neuropathy and right hand weakness is rated at 30%. The RO will grant an increased rating to 100% for chronic bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and additional evidence to determine if the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to his service-connected back injury or other conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development and procedural defects. The issues of service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, and PTSD are pending.

The Board has granted a continuous 20 percent evaluation for left median nerve neuropathy and a continuous 20 percent evaluation for left ulnar nerve neuropathy, effective from the date of the decision.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of his left upper and lower extremities, as well as right lower extremity. The RO found that the current 10 percent evaluations adequately reflected the severity of the veteran's symptoms.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease and finds that new evidence supports this reopening. The Board also notes that the veteran's lower extremity peripheral neuropathy may be related to his diabetes mellitus, but further examination is needed to determine if it began during service or is otherwise service-connected.

The veteran's low back disability was granted a 40 percent rating, effective September 23, 2002. His peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were each granted a 20 percent rating, also effective September 23, 2002.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, and the issue of secondary service connection for sensory motor neuropathy remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the left foot, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty or service-connected diabetes mellitus. The prostate cancer claim was granted with a noncompensable rating effective in August 2003.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and examination.