Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were granted, with the effective date being prior to February 8, 2018. From that date forward, he was granted a higher rating of 40 percent for each affected limb.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and addressing whether service-connected bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy can be rated based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection of a right elbow disability, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease. The cases have been remanded for further review.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was granted, effective November 4, 2014. The reduction from 30% to 20% rating for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was restored and an initial 40% rating was granted for the same condition, both effective September 6, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and his in-service herbicide agent exposure. A new medical opinion is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inextricably intertwined issues, specifically regarding left below the knee amputation residuals. The case is being sent back for a VA medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left below the knee amputation and its relationship to service-connected disorders.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities was caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. A new VA addendum opinion is required.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased disability ratings and TDIU, as there are insufficient medical records to determine the severity of his service-connected conditions prior to his death in August 2018.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type-II on an extraschedular basis only was denied. The Board found that the schedular evaluation adequately described his disability level and symptomatology.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities on an extraschedular basis was also denied. The Director of Compensation Service determined that the evidence did not support the contention that any of the service-connected disabilities prevented employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a right ankle fracture with ankylosis and neuropathy of the right lower extremity due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right hip avascular necrosis, left arm neuropathy, and left leg neuropathy due to a lack of an opinion regarding their proximate cause or aggravation by service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and deviated nasal septum due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and housebound criteria were both denied. The decision found that the Veteran was not in need of regular aid and assistance due to a service-connected disability, and did not meet the requirements for housebound status.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and opinion regarding service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral foot disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral leg disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the service-connected right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy disability, including any thenar atrophy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted effective October 27, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral lower and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, neurobehavioral effects, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, autoimmune disease, auto hepatitis, and osteoporosis have been remanded due to the need for additional development of her service personnel records and VA treatment records.,The Veteran has requested a withdrawal of her claims for bilateral lower and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides. Service connection for tremors is remanded as the VA examiner's opinion regarding their etiology is inadequate.