Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of evidence showing severe complications or frequent hospitalizations.,The Veteran's left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are both rated at 20 percent. The Board has remanded these issues for further development.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for LLE and RLE bradykinesia, balance, tremors, muscle rigidity and stiffness associated with Parkinson's disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy have been remanded due to the need to consider whether these disabilities should be evaluated under Diagnostic Code 8520 for impairment of the sciatic nerve.

The Board denied the appellant's request for additional attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in an August 2020 rating decision, as the appellant was entitled to attorney fees based on the past-due benefits received by the Veteran.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as of September 12, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities meeting the schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and his military service.,The Board also denied secondary service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy because it is not related to any service-connected condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for DMII, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, gait disturbance, palpitations, and tremors. The appeals are granted to this extent only.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for DMII, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, gait disturbance, palpitations, and tremors. The appeals are granted to this extent only.

Service connection is granted for DMII, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, gait disturbance, palpitations, and tremors. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are not presumed due to herbicide exposure or any other basis.,DMII, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, gait disturbance, and palpitations are not found to be related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for DMII, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, gait disturbance, palpitations, and tremors have been granted. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of herbicide exposure during service.,Service connection is denied as there is no direct or presumptive evidence linking these conditions to active duty.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are all granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure during his Vietnam service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient information regarding his exposure to herbicide agents in Guam. The Veteran served in Guam from November 1968 to May 1970, and he contends that he was exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during this time.

The Veteran's right ilio-inguinal peripheral neuropathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected post-operative residuals of right inguinal hernia.,The initial disability rating for the post-operative residuals of right inguinal hernia remains at 10 percent, with no change in status.,Prior to August 2, 2021, the Veteran's migraines are granted a noncompensable (0 percent) disability rating. From August 2, 2021, his migraines are denied any increase beyond the current 30 percent rating.,From August 2, 2021, the Veteran's migraines remain at a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy, left hip and knee disabilities, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and prostate hypertrophy due to additional development being necessary. Specifically, the AOJ must obtain all outstanding medical records from University Medical Associates.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for CAD post MI, which was granted on May 30, 2016.,He also seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, which he contends should be secondary to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal due to being awarded a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU). As such, the Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of left and right hand neuropathy.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's passing. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with your claims as they are no longer valid.

The Board has found that there is insufficient evidence to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral lower extremity disability, including whether it is related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability or in-service herbicide agent exposure. The issues are therefore remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to a need for additional development, including obtaining an examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, determined to be due to in-service herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), based on the evidence being in equipoise regarding its onset.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left ulnar neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated moderate incomplete paralysis.