Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis, originally claimed as rheumatoid arthritis. The claim for left lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy with foot drop is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for TMJ service connection was dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal.,Service connection granted for tinnitus, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and hypertension due to herbicide exposure. The claims for carotid arterial disease, left hand disability, right hand disability, and loss of use of a foot are remanded as medical opinions are needed on their etiology. SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound is also remanded.

The Board has granted a TDIU for the entire appeal period stemming from the Veteran's September 26, 2007 claim due to his service-connected back disability and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy (femoral nerve root) of the left and right lower extremities is being remanded for further evaluation due to worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for tinea pedis was granted with an effective date of June 17, 2010.,Effective from April 10, 2007, the Veteran is entitled to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity.,The Veteran's claim for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.,An effective date of March 13, 2015, was granted for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity.,An effective date of March 13, 2015, was denied for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for bladder dysfunction with renal involvement causing voiding dysfunction is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), right knee disability, respiratory disability, polycythemia vera, lower extremity neuropathy, ischemic heart disease, traumatic brain injury, and eye disability have all been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's allegations of exposure to Agent Orange and ionizing radiation, as well as his current diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, heart disorder, hypertension, bilateral neuropathy of the upper extremities, eye disorder, and erectile dysfunction. The VA is required to obtain additional military records and provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the nature of the Veteran's diabetes and its etiology. The claims will be reviewed again with additional examination.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremities peripheral neuropathies have been granted initial ratings of 30 percent, but no higher.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremities peripheral neuropathies have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is remanded due to lack of a VA opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and related conditions due to exposure to various chemical or biological agents during service. The Veteran's exposure is conceded but further examination and opinion are needed to determine if these conditions are etiologically related.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy and hypertension are being remanded for further evaluation, as the claims may be related to his current disability status.

The Veteran's Peyronie’s disease and related conditions, including erectile dysfunction and right genitofemoral neuropathy, are granted with effective dates. The initial rating for Peyronie’s disease is set at 20 percent prior to February 5, 2015, and the initial rating for right genitofemoral neuropathy is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure during his Vietnam Era service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional information from private medical providers regarding treatment of the Veteran's right calf nerve condition, which is secondary to her service-connected scars.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reduction in VA disability compensation due to incarceration was proper. The October 2016 rating decisions reducing his peripheral neuropathy ratings are found to be improper and void ab initio. The issues of increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, as well as TDIU, are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tremors, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The cases are being returned for further development.

The Board denied service connection for left upper, right upper, left lower, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to lack of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms.