Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Veteran's cervical spine IVDS and arthritis are granted as presumptive service connection. The right hand peripheral neuropathy is granted based on secondary causation by the now service-connected cervical spine disability, but an increased rating for the right little finger digital neuropathy is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased ratings for right upper extremity polyneuropathy with right ulnar neuropathy and TDIU due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so a new decision is required on all matters.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and TDIU. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional VA treatment records from January 2012 and schedule the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities.

The Board has remanded four claims: service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, cancer of the pancreas and polyneuropathy of the right and left lower extremity. The RO must issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) addressing these claims.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy separate from the Veteran's already service-connected radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, specifically obtaining VA treatment records from a facility in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied for TBI, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, and various diabetic peripheral neuropathies. The Board also denied increased ratings for PTSD, right upper extremity radiculopathy, right shoulder subacromial decompression, left shoulder distal clavicle resection, cervical spine strain, and right knee strain.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an aneurysm was granted. Service connection is denied for the remaining conditions: emphysema, heart disability, prostate cancer, back disability, bilateral knee disabilities (left and right), and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (right and left).

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not establish a relationship to active service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since August 11, 2008.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection on all six issues, including diabetes, left hand neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, kidney disease, and a skin condition.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent, and no higher. The lower lumbar spine scar associated with spondylolisthesis L5-S1, status post spinal repair, has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal for this issue during his hearing. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

A rating of 40 percent for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted from May 23, 2019. A rating of 30 percent for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted from the same date.,Prior to May 23, 2019, ratings in excess of 20 percent are not warranted for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if he was exposed to herbicides during his service.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy affecting both lower extremities, finding that the condition is at least as likely as not related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination and lack of nexus opinions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for hip conditions, flat feet, and peripheral neuropathy, with a contention that his knee disabilities aggravated these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to incongruous medical evidence and the absence of a full description of effects on ordinary activity, including employment.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral feet, finding no evidence of in-service disease or injury and no herbicide exposure. The claim was reopened based on new evidence but still denied as there is no direct link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are not related to service or the service-connected diabetes, and therefore denied these claims.