Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right extremities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to in-service exposure to herbicide agents or any other service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, and the appeal is remanded for further action.

The Veteran's original claim for bilateral ear condition was denied in January 1980. New and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim.,The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted sufficient to reopen a claim for entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability is remanded.,The Veteran's low back disability, including degenerative disc disease and spondylosis at L5-S1, is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neck disability, including cervical spondylosis and cervical, thoracic, and lumbar lordosis, is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease with disc protrusion are all denied initial ratings in excess of the currently assigned ratings.,Higher initial ratings for these conditions are not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cardiovascular disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypertension due to diabetes mellitus, type II is granted on a presumptive basis. Service connection for vision/cataracts condition and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II was granted. The increased rating claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective September 24, 2014. Service connection for neuropathy of the lower extremities, gastrointestinal disability, and erectile dysfunction are granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of the Veteran's neurological disorder of the right upper extremity, including her post-fracture of the right scaphoid and tear of the triangular fibrocartilage with carpal tunnel syndrome. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened and granted. However, his claims for left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy were denied.,Service connection for deep severe pain of the whole body was also denied.

The Board denied increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on moderate incomplete paralysis as of January 3, 2018, or severe incomplete paralysis thereafter.

The Veteran's RLE PVD is rated at 40 percent prior to May 16, 2019 and at 60 percent since then. The Veteran’s RLE peripheral neuropathy (external popliteal nerve) is rated at 20 percent, while his LLE peripheral neuropathy is also rated at 20 percent.,The criteria for a higher rating are not met for any of the conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, benign prostate hypertrophy, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Veteran's claims are being returned due to insufficient verification of his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected back disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address the nature and etiology of any additional residual disability caused by several left knee surgeries, including pain, swelling, infection, and permanent numbness.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and compensation for diabetes, erectile dysfunction, special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The lung condition and arthritis are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The issues include cervical spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened and granted.,Service connection for right traumatic ulnar neuropathy is granted as secondary to a service-connected disability.,Service connection for a right hand disorder, including degenerative arthritis, and a right shoulder disorder, including SLAP tear and degenerative arthritis, are denied as not related to the service-connected condition.