Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Board denied claims for effective dates prior to May 2, 2008, for service connection of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), back strain, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, Parkinson’s-like motor symptoms, DMII, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure. The claims are being remanded for further development including obtaining medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board granted his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for substitution purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance or permanently confined to his immediate premises, thus denying the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance or an account of being housebound.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, specifically the external popliteal nerve and internal saphenous nerve, has been granted a 40 percent rating from January 25, 2010. The ilio-inguinal nerve in both legs is rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection and related benefits. The Board finds insufficient evidence to make a decision regarding his discharge upgrade, which could affect the effective dates.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to service-connected disabilities, as well as the claim for automobile purchase or adaptive equipment. The case is being returned to obtain VA examinations and opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the cause of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, which was not previously addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities, as well as reopened the claim for hypertension. The decision is based on evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as to service connection for diabetes mellitus type I, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities because these claims have been granted in full.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and now grants the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for these conditions. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of memory loss or cognitive decline, right ear hearing loss, digestive disorder, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, or loss of saliva at any time during the pendency of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of peripheral neuropathy, right and left upper extremities are being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also being remanded due to the interrelated nature with his other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a prostate disability, bilateral neuropathy of the hands, and bilateral neuropathy of the feet due to lack of VA examinations. The AOJ must schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine if his disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding whether the Veteran's back disability is related to his service-connected bilateral lower extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's PTSD was denied an initial rating in excess of 70 percent from December 20, 2017. The Board also found that the criteria for a TDIU were not met prior to July 17, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disorder, left foot disorder, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate medical opinions based solely on the absence of in-service treatment or findings.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran must be provided with new VA examinations to address these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for left leg peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus type II, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's initial rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities prior to December 3, 2008 is denied. The appeal for service connection for a respiratory disorder and skin disorder is remanded.