Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Veteran's low back strain and associated peripheral neuropathy were denied increased ratings. The low back strain was rated at 10 percent prior to August 19, 2020, and at 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal for initial compensable ratings on several service-connected conditions, including a right knee scar and back disability, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examination. The TDIU claim from November 19, 2008, to October 22, 2009, is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure during service.,The Veteran's left leg scar, chest scar, peripheral neuropathy of the extremities, and erectile dysfunction are all secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure during service.,The Veteran's left leg scar, chest scar, peripheral neuropathy of the extremities, and erectile dysfunction are all secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection due to hypertension.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure during service.,The Veteran's left leg scar, chest scar, peripheral neuropathy of the extremities, and erectile dysfunction are all secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, upper extremities is granted. The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, upper and lower extremities due to a lack of a VA examination addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was granted a 20 percent rating prior to November 14, 2013. The case is remanded for further review of the ratings as of November 14, 2013 and forward.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, both claimed as secondary to PTSD. The Board has also noted that these claims are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, as well as myelitis. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions, considering the Veteran's lay statements and medical evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type II, prostate cancer status post prostatectomy, erectile dysfunction, diabetic nephropathy, and right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathies. The conditions are presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, qualifying for TDIU. The dental disorder was not incurred or aggravated by service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's median neuropathy of the right hand is rated at 20 percent, corresponding to moderate incomplete paralysis. The condition has been shown to cause significant pain and reduced grip strength in the palm of the right hand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a vocal cord disability has been reopened. The ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities have been restored to their previous levels. The Veteran's diabetes rating remains at 20 percent, but his TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a duty to assist error in the prior decision, which did not obtain all relevant private treatment records and scanned medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his non-service-connected cataracts prevented him from securing or following such employment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment since December 3, 2003. The TDIU claim is granted for the period from December 3, 2003 to January 31, 2016.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain retrospective opinions regarding erectile dysfunction and neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities due to conflicting evidence and need for further medical opinions.