Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-operative residuals of a lumbar fusion due to an L4 burst fracture with bilateral quadriceps weakness, femoral neuropathy, and compensatory scoliosis are manifested by a vertebral deformity and severe limitation of lumbar motion. The criteria for a 50 percent evaluation have been met.

The Board has determined that the appellant's essential tremor of the right hand and left ulnar neuropathy are related to his service, specifically exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left legs as secondary to his service-connected pes cavus. The issue of whether he is entitled to an increased evaluation for his bilateral pes cavus deformity remains pending.

The veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death from cardiopulmonary collapse due to ischemic bowel.

The Board has determined that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly dependency and indemnity compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and an increased evaluation for his right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of adequate examination and consideration of all applicable regulations.

The veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of a right eye disorder and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability arising from VA hospitalization in 1997, including left arm neuropathy. Service connection for phlebitis of the left forearm was granted with a noncompensable rating from December 22, 1997 to August 24, 1998 and denied thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left and right ulnar nerve neuropathies do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as they only result in mild incomplete paralysis.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU were denied. The residuals of a left fibula fracture with loss of artery circulation and ischemic neuropathy do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as there is no evidence of complete paralysis or nonunion of the tibia and fibula. For his knee conditions, including meniscal tear in the left knee and patellofemoral syndrome on the right knee, he does not have limitation of motion that would warrant an increased rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining suitable employment in his chosen field of Information Technology. The Board finds no employment handicap and thus denies the claim for vocational rehabilitation training.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy should be granted based on new and material evidence.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings on his varicose veins, disfiguring scars, limitation of motion in the cervical spine, and scars with neuropathy were all denied. The current ratings assigned are considered appropriate.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly death pension for the surviving spouse of the veteran by reason of being housebound due to her not being substantially confined to her home or immediate premises.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to perform daily functions of self-care and protect himself from hazards, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence of the condition and attributing any lower extremity symptoms to lymphoma.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back strain, skin disorder, and peripheral neuropathy. The claim for an increased rating for bursitis of the feet, ankles, and hands was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides. The appeal is granted.

The veteran's case is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a supplemental statement of the case.

The veteran's appeal is about his service-connected disabilities and whether he should receive higher levels of special monthly compensation based on the severity of his conditions. The RO has ordered additional VA examinations to assess the current level of impairment resulting from his service-connected disabilities.