Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral peripheral neuropathy and diabetes mellitus type II, have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 70% for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure, as there is insufficient evidence to establish direct service connection. The Veteran will need additional VA examinations to address these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II (DM), diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and coronary artery disease. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder other than pseudophakia, dry eye syndrome and monovision has been remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Board finds that there is a need for further examination and opinion regarding his claimed bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that it did not have its onset during active service or within a year of separation. The claim was also denied on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure as early-onset peripheral neuropathy is not listed among the diseases associated with such exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy, essential tremor syndrome/bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, prostate disorder, anal disorder, and disorder manifested by poor blood circulation due to his exposure to herbicides. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for residuals of a discectomy was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied.,The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities were both denied.

The Board granted service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam caused his condition.

The Board has denied service connection for left lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, right lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome. The case is remanded for further development.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The case is also remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, effective from March 15, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, but only as a reclassification of an existing disability (radiculopathy). The Veteran's current ratings for radiculopathy will now include peripheral neuropathy.

Service connection for bilateral hand tremors, claimed as Parkinson’s disease, liver disorder, and peripheral neuropathy is denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for a left-hand disorder is also denied because the condition did not develop during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neurological disorders, specifically carpal tunnel/cubital tunnel issues and peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities. The examiner is requested to provide clear opinions on whether these conditions are related to service or diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all issues on appeal, and the Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right femoral, left femoral, right sciatic, and left sciatic nerves were granted effective from February 20, 2013.,The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left radial and right radial nerves were also granted effective from February 20, 2013.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neurological changes were granted on a secondary basis to service-connected hypothyroidism, and thus are no longer in appellate status.

The Veteran's right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy was granted a 40% disability rating from November 28, 2014. The left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy was granted a 40% disability rating from January 23, 2013 and prior to December 8, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability had its onset during his military service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is remanded as the evidence is conflicting.