Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board granted earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ, finding that the Veteran's conditions were present prior to his initial claim in August 2002.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain VA treatment records related to nerve conduction studies for diabetic neuropathy. The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and he is not entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for heart disease due to VA treatment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The diabetes mellitus claim was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and the prostate cancer claim was denied due to lack of evidence of renal dysfunction or urinary tract infection. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities could not be established.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy, which is presumed to be related to his service exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Vietnam. The claim will be reviewed with a new examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a lack of compliance with previous instructions. The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities on a direct basis only is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a foot disorder other than pes planus, diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy, is being remanded due to the failure to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) following additional development.

The Board denied service connection for cysts, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service or exposure to herbicide agents.,There is no credible evidence that the Veteran's current skin disorder involving cysts and comedones had its onset during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to May 16, 2016 due to a lack of evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting information regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to use his feet. The VA is instructed to schedule an examination to clarify these issues.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent from December 18, 2013 to June 21, 2016, due to its significant impact on his occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted. The cases of bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as the evidence does not show that his neuropathy and diabetes prevent him from performing sedentary work.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder. The remaining issues on appeal, including hypertension, fibromyalgia, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, are remanded due to lack of evidence regarding exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board denied reopening and granting service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, PTSD, and unspecified depressive disorder as secondary to a service-connected carcinoma of the lung. The Veteran's claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in multiple extremities, secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case is being returned for further development including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity condition, including peripheral neuropathy and numbness, is at least as likely as not related to exposure to toxins, gases, and fumes during his service in the Gulf War. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, right knee condition, left knee condition, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities as they are not related to service or service-connected conditions.