Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities is rated at 40 percent, but no higher. The evidence supports a finding that his symptoms are moderately severe.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for left upper extremity, right upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as well as erectile dysfunction due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent, effective July 23, 2019.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were each rated at 20 percent, effective July 23, 2019. The left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was rated at 10 percent prior to January 21, 2020, and at 20 percent thereafter.

The Board denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's claims were reopened on new evidence but the conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities has been denied as his conditions do not warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of peripheral neuropathy in the Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremities during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension have been granted. Service connection has also been established for left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, kidney disorder, and right great toe amputation as secondary to his now service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver disease, hepatitis C, skin cancer, neuropathy, residuals of shrapnel wounds to the back, buttocks, and legs, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and a lumbar spine disability. The appeal is currently remanded for further development.,The Veteran's appendectomy scar was rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7804 due to pain but not instability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of arteriosclerotic heart disease is denied, and the issue of service connection for peripheral neuropathy affecting the bilateral feet and hands is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, diagnosed as cubital tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus Type II, left eye retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to herbicide exposure. Additional development is required including submission to the JSRRC and obtaining a medical opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a skin disability and numbness of left hand (neuropathy) has been dismissed as the Veteran's representative requested withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's diagnosed neuropathy is a congenital defect or disease aggravated by radiation exposure in service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied.,Initial ratings of 20 percent prior to October 31, 2011, and a rating in excess of 40 percent from October 31, 2011, to February 20, 2020, for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity were granted. A rating in excess of 60 percent thereafter was denied.,Initial ratings of 20 percent prior to October 31, 2011, and a rating in excess of 40 percent from October 31, 2011, to February 20, 2020, for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity were granted. A rating in excess of 60 percent thereafter was denied.

The Board has granted a TDIU, and the claims for increased ratings have been denied. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim was withdrawn by his representative.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, radiation proctitis, and coronary artery disease due to additional development being needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disability and left leg neuropathy, finding that there is no evidence of these conditions during or after his military service. The right knee disability claim was remanded due to insufficient information.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, but the remaining issues of service connection for neuropathy and/or lack of circulation of upper and lower extremities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's neck condition, right upper extremity neuropathy, and left upper extremity neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected neck condition.