Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain was granted a 40% evaluation as of March 1, 2017. The initial evaluations for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy were also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity as secondary to his service-connected right ring finger disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran’s current condition is related to his service-connected right ring finger disability. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for TDIU based on PTSD and other service-connected conditions has also been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period prior to May 15, 2017.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for fibromyositis of the lumbar muscles and remanded other issues related to service connection. The Veteran's claim for separate evaluation for left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and DJD of the knees and hands are being remanded due to unclear evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for increased evaluations or service connection. The Board denied service connection for hypertensive heart disease and denied all issues related to diabetic polyneuropathy of the sciatic nerve and femoral nerves, as well as service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded several issues related to peripheral neuropathy, including service connection for the condition in multiple extremities. The Veteran's myotonic muscular dystrophy is also under consideration due to his contention that it may be related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck, back, and neurological disabilities in his upper and lower extremities, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea. The claims are also remanded to determine if erectile dysfunction is related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for scars and gunshot wound residuals due to additional development of evidence, including new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The issue of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 3, 2014 for SMC at the R-1 and R-2 rates was denied.,An earlier effective date of September 27, 2007 for SMC based on loss of use of both feet under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) is granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to April 4, 2013, and denied a higher rating. The Veteran's left upper extremity neuropathy associated with cervical degenerative joint disease is rated at 30 percent, while the right upper extremity neuropathy is also rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran was denied an initial compensable rating for hypertension and service connection for a hysterectomy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic neuropathy of both upper extremities and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The denial is based on a lack of current disability due to the absence of objective evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for hearing loss, sleep apnea, and peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 15, 2018, or in excess of 10 percent thereafter. Service connection was also denied for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, and for peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the effective dates are set to November 19, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including cardiological disability other than hypertension, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, psychiatric disability, stomach disability, eye disability, kidney disability, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and arthritis. The Veteran is advised to provide updated medical records and attend a new hearing if desired.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's Parkinson’s disease and its associated symptoms. The Veteran needs a comprehensive VA examination to assess his condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome due to outstanding VA records not having been considered in prior decisions. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it relates to a period before September 25, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity on a direct basis, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and right eye mild non proliferative diabetic retinopathy is rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity associated with type II diabetes mellitus is rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity associated with type II diabetes mellitus is rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity associated with type II diabetes mellitus is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity associated with type II diabetes mellitus is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.