Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for polyneuropathy of the lower extremities due to herbicide exposure and for a chronic lung condition (to include bronchitis). The decision found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and active service, nor any evidence of herbicide exposure. As such, the veteran's claims were not well-grounded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy, muscle neuralgia, and jungle rot of the feet are granted due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The veteran has a diagnosed PTSD related to his military service. Peripheral neuropathy, muscle neuralgia, and jungle rot of the feet are presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and malignant melanoma, both secondary to inservice exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange).,For peripheral neuropathy, the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment. The claim was instead based on presumed service connection under Agent Orange Act provisions.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well-grounded and denied them.

The veteran's claim for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of improved disability pension benefits was denied because the Board found that there was a considerable degree of fault on the part of the veteran in creating the overpayment by failing to report his Civil Service annuity. Recovery would not be against the principle of equity and good conscience.

The veteran's service-connected neuropathy of the saphenous vein is currently rated at 10 percent, and no higher. The scars are not compensable under current criteria. The arterial graft of the left popliteal area has a current rating of 10 percent, effective January 24, 1997.,Prior to May 3, 1999, the veteran's service-connected left knee disability was rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 5257. From May 3, 1999, it is rated at 60 percent.

The veteran's claim for melioidosis is not well grounded as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy and a skin disorder claimed as boils and fungus are well grounded, with diagnoses made and a private physician linking them to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of frozen feet did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 12, 1998. Separate evaluations for peripheral neuropathy with onychomycosis were assigned effective from January 12, 1998.

The veteran's right lower extremity neuropathy is rated at 60 percent effective September 12, 1995. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date is denied.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for left foot drop due to mononeuropathy of the peroneal nerve, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for TDIU in November 1985, concluding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from some form of substantially gainful employment compatible with his education and occupational experience.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's gunshot wound to Muscle Groups XIV and XVII, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are denied as they are not well grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including fibromyalgia, impotence, sleep apnea, hair loss, irritable bowel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and skin rashes due to undiagnosed illnesses are not well grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic pain syndrome, neuropathy, myelopathy and normochromic anemia secondary to exposure to ionizing radiation due to insufficient evidence of radiation exposure during his participation in Operation DOMINIC I.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange, and an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss are on appeal.

The Board found no medical evidence relating the veteran's current conditions to his period of service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected internal derangement of the left and right knees, as well as sensorimotor neuropathy. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that symptoms were first present during active service. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy is denied as the claim is not well-grounded.

The veteran's claim for a low back disability was denied as there is no chronic low back disability present in service or for many years after service. The claim for a compensable evaluation for his right thigh neuropathy was also denied.