Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran did not develop additional disability of the left fifth finger or that any preexisting disease or injury was aggravated by VA medical treatment. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a disorder of the left fifth finger is denied.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for scarring on the left foot in addition to the current 30 percent rating for the residuals of a shrapnel wound to the left foot with amputation of the third and fourth toes, acquired deformity, neuropathy, retained metallic fragments, and degenerative arthritis. The combined evaluation does not exceed the maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both feet and bilateral pes planus are either directly related to service or have been aggravated by pre-existing conditions, warranting a grant of service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further action, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and verifying stressors. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of these actions.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides, finding that there was no evidence of such condition during or within one year after service and no link between current symptoms and Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with adequate notice under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board granted the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits effective from April 3, 2001. The decision was based on his current diagnoses of amnestic disorder/dementia and other physical conditions.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hypothyroidism was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of his radiation therapy for larynx cancer in 1993, but denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 as it did not meet the criteria for negligence or carelessness on part of VA.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's low back, mid back, right shoulder, and right elbow disabilities are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of such condition during his military service and not meeting any presumptive conditions due to herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for residuals of cold injury, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left feet were denied. The claim to reopen service connection for bilateral pes planus was also denied.

The Board found no evidence of peripheral neuropathy within the presumptive period following service, and concluded that it is not related to Agent Orange exposure. The veteran's current diagnosis of chronic peripheral neuropathy is attributed to hepatitis C, which has been previously denied as service-connected.

The Board has denied service connection for traumatic arthritis and peripheral neuropathy, but granted service connection for beriberi heart disease for the purpose of accrued benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple myeloma, Type I diabetes mellitus, nephropathy, uremia and renal artery stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and coronary artery disease as due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's reported stressors were sufficient to have caused his PTSD. The other claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, skin disability, and liver disability due to exposure to herbicides are being remanded for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of hands and feet, finding it likely related to exposure to cold during military service. The other claims remain pending.

The Board has granted the veteran's applications to reopen his claims of service connection for a back disorder and bilateral leg neuropathy. The RO will be directed to attempt to obtain medical records from Drs. C.B. and R.B.