Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not show a nexus to his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure. The claim for erectile dysfunction secondary to type II diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Board denied service connection for lower right, left, upper right, and upper left extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, right and left lower extremity diabetic sciatic neuropathy, hypertension, right ankle degenerative disease, and left foot hammertoes, are sufficient to render him unemployable. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides and a need for further medical evaluation of his psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a neurological examination and further development of evidence related to service connection for neuropathy, which may be secondary to diabetes or linked to herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for various neuropathies, a PTSD rating, and service connection for a skin disability have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn all claims currently on appeal.

The Veteran's SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) is granted with an effective date of February 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, particularly right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hemorrhoids, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that new VA opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, heart disability, chronic kidney disease/renal insufficiency, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and loss of use of a creative organ. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show it to be more than mild or moderate in severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and PTSD are remanded due to missing VA examinations. The Veteran is also seeking an increased rating for his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for DMII, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and stroke residuals due to insufficient information regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's unit history needs to be verified through the JSRRC.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hand skin disability, diabetes mellitus, type II, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to unresolved medical opinions regarding etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected left upper extremity neuropathy is reclassified as loss of use of the left hand, and he is granted SMC for this condition. He also receives SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his ischemic heart disease. As of March 11, 2014, he is granted a TDIU.

Service connection for neck disability, muscle spasms of the left upper extremity, face, and eyelids as secondary to neck disability is denied.,Right knee arthritis, mild osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, and bilateral foot neuropathy are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with substitution and accrued benefits claims, which are inextricably intertwined with the service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death. The claim will be further developed by the RO.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to potential herbicide agent exposure in the Korean DMZ and possible frostbite during service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy, finding that it is at least as likely as not aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus and its related complications due to potential herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's claim is based on his assertion of herbicide exposure at Fort McClellan in Allison, Alabama from March 7, 1977, to May 5, 1977.