Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right inguinal neuropathy with chronic pain and dysesthesia, status post nerve cryoablation, did not result in urinary system dysfunction or infection, nor did it result in an inguinal hernia. The initial disability rating for a right radical orchiectomy was also denied.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy was caused by his service-connected dermatitis or any other treatment for a service-connected condition.

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to his service in Vietnam, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected right index finger disability, which was currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new provisions in the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other legal requirements.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing and further consideration of the issues. The appellant's claims for service connection are on appeal, but no specific rating or effective date is provided.

The Board denied the veteran's request for waiver of overpayment of VA disability compensation benefits, finding that recovery would not be against equity and good conscience due to the veteran's incarceration status.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, heart disorder and hypertension, dementia secondary to PTSD, left ear hearing loss disability, left ear infection, and perforation of the left tympanic membrane. The 20 percent rating assigned for gunshot wound injury to Muscle Group XVII was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death. The cause of death was terminal lung cancer, which is unrelated to active service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a previous decision denying service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, an increased evaluation for hypertension, and an increased evaluation for bronchitis and COPD. The cases will be reconsidered by the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, peripheral neuropathy, and sterility as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. The left inguinal hernia claim was granted with a 30% evaluation, but no compensable rating was assigned for ilioinguinal nerve entrapment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation, finding no new evidence to reopen his claim of second degree burn scars. The other issues were also denied.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not shown to be related to service, including his Persian Gulf War service. The RO denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for residuals of bilateral frozen feet before January 12, 1998 and after that date. The appeal is dismissed.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The RO has developed all evidence necessary, but the residuals of shrapnel wounds are not shown to warrant higher ratings.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for higher evaluations for his low back disorder, left ulnar nerve neuropathy, migraine headaches, and mood disorder with major depressive features. The claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder is pending. The appellant's irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease have not been granted a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome, skin disability, and peripheral neuropathy. The evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the veteran's military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected amputation of the left little finger and left ulnar neuropathy, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back disability, have permanently precluded gainful employment compatible with his education and occupational experience since January 7, 1997. A total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability is granted effective from September 30, 1997.