Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The veteran's compensation benefits for interdigital nerve neuropathy between the third and fourth fingers, right hand were reduced by $70,000 due to a settlement under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

The veteran's appeal for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities has been withdrawn before a decision was made.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is rated at 60 percent, and separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities. The claim for increased rating for major depression remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, depression with a sleep disorder, cardiovascular disorder, influenza and colds, weakness and fatigue, noise and light sensitivity, and Raynaud's disease. The reasons were that there was no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year thereafter, and the veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to support his claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The RO will consider whether the veteran's conditions may be subject to presumptive service connection based on his status as a prisoner of war.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, as he can perform all self-care independently except for some right hand pain.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his shell fragment wounds of the legs, as well as his claim for increased evaluations for his shell fragment wound residuals, were denied. The case is remanded for further examination and review.

The veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, which is secondary to Agent Orange exposure, was denied by the RO. The case has been remanded due to incomplete information regarding the veteran's alleged exposure to Agent Orange during his second period of service in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gall bladder removal, sigmoid colectomy (claimed as removal of the colon), and peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides. The claim for reopening a skin condition was also denied. Service connection was not granted for any of these conditions.

The Board denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Tinea Cruris due to Agent Orange exposure, and Peripheral Neuropathy and Chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure. The RO must issue a statement of the case on these issues.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of frozen feet and peripheral neuropathy have been granted increased ratings to reflect the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a social and industrial survey. The veteran's service-connected disabilities are being evaluated along with his nonservice-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for disability benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding no additional disability resulting from VA medical treatment in April and June 1994.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frozen feet and a right ankle disorder, as new and material evidence was submitted.,The veteran is entitled to an increased evaluation for his left ankle disorder.

The veteran's service-connected frostbite disabilities have been granted increased ratings, with the highest rating of 30 percent for residuals of frostbite of the hands and feet. The traumatic arthritis of the hands and feet is rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for GERD has been granted, effective from March 23, 2000. The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected GERD does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have residuals of cold weather injury, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, right hand and right posterior skull that are related to active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left arm peripheral neuropathy and evaluation of his C5 and C6 compression fracture residuals.