Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Board has granted a 40% rating for the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, but has remanded the case due to issues related to total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral polyneuropathy, finding that the Veteran's exposure to jet fuel during service did not cause his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower extremities due to Agent Orange exposure. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the Veteran’s claim for service connection for diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for kidney disease and peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded for further evaluation as his current ratings do not reflect the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is related to an injury during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and has been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the issues of termination of TDIU, severance of service connection for PTSD and fibromyalgia, reductions in ratings for peripheral neuropathy and lumbar disc desiccation, and termination of SMC based on housebound status. The reasons for this are to obtain additional OIG reports.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for skin cancer as it has been granted and rendered moot. The remaining issues of service connection for lumbar spine disorder, prostate disorder, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

Entitlement to an initial rating higher than 20 percent for service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was denied.,Entitlement to an effective date prior to March 11, 2011 for the grant of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction, both secondary to service-connected diabetes. The renal condition is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the highest level of aid and attendance was granted. The Veteran meets the criteria for entitlement to this benefit due to his need for personal health-care services provided on a daily basis in his home by a licensed professional, as well as his service-connected disabilities necessitating such care.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is granted. His increased rating claim for diabetes remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his PTSD is denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities due to the Veteran's death, finding that the claims have been granted and rendered moot.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show moderate incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal (common peroneal) nerve, warranting a higher rating under DC 8521. For TDIU, the Veteran's claim was granted from November 20, 2013, based on his service-connected disabilities precluding him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neuropathy and hip disorders are granted with a 20% rating, but no more. Service connection for left hip disorder and right hip disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as his claim for bilateral hearing loss. The reasons include insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset of these conditions during or shortly after service, and the need for further examination to determine their etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder), and a stomach disorder. The Veteran's earlier effective date claim for coronary artery disease was withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his presumed herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam.