Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for stroke, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to an in-service motor vehicle accident. The case requires clarification regarding the nature of a lacunar infarct found on MRI and its relation to the Veteran's symptoms.

The Board dismissed all appeals regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure, finding that there was no evidence of early-onset peripheral neuropathy within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are remanded due to inadequate examination report. The Board finds that an additional remand is warranted as the July 2020 VA examiner’s opinion does not address whether the conditions are related to alcohol abuse disorder, which could provide secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as claimed due to herbicide agent exposure. The case is returned for further development and examination.

The Board has dismissed all the issues of appeal, including service connection for hypertension and thermoregulation associated with sarcoidosis due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional development regarding herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of moderately-severe incomplete paralysis, which is required for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, lower left and right extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a left eye condition due to herbicide exposure. The claims are being returned for further development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that regulation of activities due to diabetes has not been demonstrated, and the evidence did not support a higher rating for her diabetes. For her upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, the Board noted that while she reported burning pain and numbness in her hands, these symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to January 27, 2017 is denied as there was no pending claim at that time. The SMC at the housebound rate starting December 6, 2018 is granted due to a single service-connected disability rated at 100% and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. The Board found that the evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to his exposure to JP-4 jet fuel, Stoddard solvent, and other chemical degreasing agents in service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims, including those related to diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction, due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, including whether it is related to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities was denied. However, a 10 percent rating is granted effective January 21, 2020 for the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's initial rating claims for right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy have been denied. The claim for service connection of a prostate disorder is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 1, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy due to incomplete VA records and the need for further development.