Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Board has ordered a remand for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of frostbite, including tinea pedis, hallux valgus, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral extremities. The case is being returned to the RO for an adequate medical opinion.

The Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with its previous remand directives, and thus the Veteran's claim for service connection must be remanded again for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral carotid artery disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.,For the period following December 31, 2020, a 40 percent rating for sciatic nerve neuropathy of both lower extremities has been granted.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disorder due to lack of evidence linking the condition to military service. The case is remanded for further development regarding peripheral neuropathy, as there are conflicting medical opinions and insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting entitlement to TDIU throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, as well as related secondary service connection claims. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development and adjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including bilateral deafness, a bilateral hip disorder, a neck disorder, a bilateral shoulder disorder, a back disorder, a bilateral knee disorder, a bilateral ankle disorder, a bilateral arm disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral hands, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder), hypertensive cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, a bilateral elbow disorder, and a bilateral foot disorder were not caused by or related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claimed conditions did not manifest within one year after separation from service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and did not reopen the claim for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 20 percent for left ulnar neuropathy effective June 29, 2016. Prior to that date, the Veteran's condition was rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, which may be related to exposure to herbicide agents. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA examination with a neurologist that includes EMG testing if necessary.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, left and right upper extremities, is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. However, the VA medical opinion obtained after the most recent remand was inadequate as it did not address private treatment records or consider whether the diagnosed disabilities are related to the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy were granted initial ratings of 30 percent each, effective from the date of claim.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar bulging discs L3 to S1 levels and denied service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the extremities (bilateral upper and lower extremities), bilateral hip trochanteric bursitis, and bilateral patellofemoral syndrome with joint osteoarthritis.

The Board granted an initial 40 percent rating for left and right foot neuropathy, effective October 16, 2014. The Veteran's bilateral foot neuropathy resulted in severe pain and swelling that impaired his ability to walk or stand without assistance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to his active duty at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disorder due to lack of evidence showing the condition was present during or within one year after service.,Service connection is remanded for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, as these conditions are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is being remanded for additional development, including consideration of flare-ups and functional impairment.,The Veteran's bladder disorder with voiding dysfunction is being remanded to determine if it is related to service or a service-connected condition.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is being remanded to determine if it is related to service or a service-connected condition.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and bilateral neuropathy of the hands and feet are being remanded to determine if they are related to service or a service-connected condition.,The Veteran's vision disorder is being remanded to determine if it is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes, Parkinson's Disease and parkinsonism, ischemic heart disease (including CAD and angina), bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, cirrhosis, macular degeneration, vitiligo, and a heart disability, other than ischemic heart disease have all been granted.,SMC based on the need for aid and attendance has also been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination to determine if there is a connection between the Veteran's peripheral polyneuropathy and herbicide exposure, including his IgG kappa monoclonal gammopathy.