Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for anxiety neurosis. The claims for service connection for PTSD, chronic lung disease as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, hypotesticularosteopenia or loss of bone mass, a mid and upper back disorder, human adjuvant disease with peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected removal of the right testicle with testicular silicone implant; ulcers as secondary to medications prescribed for service-connected disability; and chronic fatigue syndrome are supported by cognizable evidence showing that they are plausible or capable of substantiation. The claim for service connection for hypothyroidism is not supported by cognizable evidence showing it is plausible or capable of substantiation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for residuals of frostbite and peripheral neuropathy of the feet fails due to lack of competent evidence linking these conditions to his time in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for peripheral neuropathy and growths on his neck and head (likely dermatomycosis), and PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of well-grounded claims for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection were granted, and he was assigned a 10 percent evaluation for each of the conditions listed on the first page of this decision.

The veteran's combined disability rating is 80%, but he does not have at least one service-connected disability rated at 40% or more. Therefore, the Board finds that a total rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is not warranted.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including bipolar disorder, asthma with obstructive disease, sensory nerve entrapment of the right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, headaches, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, were denied. The RO found that none of these conditions warranted a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy. The claim is well-grounded, meaning it appears plausible.

The Board found no evidence of a well grounded claim for service connection due to the lack of medical evidence showing a link between the veteran's current diabetic peripheral neuropathy and his period of active military service, including herbicidal exposure (Agent Orange).

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide agent exposure in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange, finding that his claim was not well-grounded.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy, finding the veteran did not perfect a timely appeal. Service connection for PTSD was granted due to credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities as secondary to service-connected frostbite of both feet and granted an increased evaluation for frostbite. The veteran's representative withdrew from consideration other issues, including those related to housing and automobile benefits.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of fractures of the left tibia and fibula was denied, as his condition did not warrant a higher rating than 30 percent. A separate 10 percent rating was assigned for osteoarthritis of the left ankle with limitation of motion.

The Board denied service connection for pancreatitis and peripheral neuropathy, finding that the veteran's pancreatitis was not initially manifested in service and is not shown to be otherwise related thereto. The claim of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy is also denied as it is not well grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left-hand injury, which resulted in moderate incomplete paralysis of the minor ulnar nerve, warrant a 20 percent disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is due to exposure to Agent Orange during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance of another person due to his ability to perform daily activities with assistance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for neurological residuals, to include peripheral neuropathy, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not support a finding that the veteran had such conditions and was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including damage to the reproductive system, ulcer, numbness in the hands, headaches, depression, skin rash, lumps on the arms, trouble sleeping, hypertension, nervous tension, and peripheral neuropathy, are not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service, particularly as related to exposure to Agent Orange.