Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, hepatitis, and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to herbicide exposure. The claim for reopening a previously denied hearing loss claim was also denied. The rating for otitis externa remains unchanged.

The Board has ordered additional development of the record to determine the severity and effects of the veteran's service-connected chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with possible multiple sclerosis, including neurological manifestations, limitations of ordinary functions, and its impact on employment.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's right upper extremity disorder to his active duty service, including his service in the Persian Gulf. The claim was denied.

The veteran's appeal is denied for an increased evaluation for his left elbow fracture and adhesive capsulitis of the left shoulder. The claim for a total evaluation based upon individual unemployability remains in appellate status due to its connection with other issues.

The Board has granted increased evaluations for weakness in the right and left lower extremities, as well as bowel disturbance with constipation and urinary leakage. Impotency is not service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pancreatitis, peripheral neuropathy, organic brain syndrome, degenerative osteoarthritis and Burger's disease as a residual of exposure to Agent Orange.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a neurological examination to determine the etiology of any abnormal neurological findings shown on the current examination.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, lymphoma, Epstein-Barr viral syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange. The expert opinion from the VA Medical Center denied an etiological link between these conditions and Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD, residuals of a gunshot wound and right ulnar neuropathy, and TDIU. The decision is final as no further action was taken on these issues.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for generalized cysts has been granted. The issue of service connection for peripheral neuropathy remains pending.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for sciatic neuropathy of the left lower extremity, effective from December 28, 1990.

The Board found no evidence to support the appellant's claim for service connection for unspecified disability or disabilities as a result of cigarette smoking during active military service and/or nicotine dependence acquired during active military service. The claim was denied because there is insufficient medical evidence linking any current conditions to service.

The Board found that the veteran's injuries in a December 1963 tractor trailer accident were not due to his own willful misconduct, and thus may be considered for pension purposes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tremors (shaking of the hands) and peripheral neuropathy as a result of exposure to herbicides, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's partial neuropathy, left ulnar nerve does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's ulnar nerve neuropathy and arthritis of the left elbow are rated at their maximum levels, with a 60% rating for the ulnar nerve condition and a 30% rating for the arthritis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected neuropathy of the left pudendal nerve contributed to his impotence, and thus grants service connection for impotence on a secondary basis.

The veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The VA determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not related to his service or exposure to Agent Orange, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the hands and feet, a skin disorder, a stomach disorder, dizziness, and headaches, all claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure.