Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 10 percent prior to July 27, 2019 and denied for a higher rating.,Starting from July 27, 2019, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent and also denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment for the periods specified. The case is remanded to determine if an extraschedular TDIU should be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment since August 1, 2015.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of diabetic neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, finding that entitlement to these conditions did not arise prior to December 3, 2009, and July 17, 2017 respectively.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for HIV and related complications, as well as his claim for dental treatment purposes due to HIV. The remand is necessary to determine the date of initial onset of HIV and the nature of the Veteran’s Naval Reserve service at the time of the disease's initial manifestation.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(i). The Veteran's back disability is rated as 20 percent disabling, and he has also been granted a separate rating for his peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, right and left lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, osteoarthritis of the shoulders, and peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities have been granted. The exposure to Agent Orange is presumed.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits were dismissed due to his withdrawal of these issues. The claim for an additional allowance for dependents was granted.

The Veteran's chronic left shoulder strain is rated at 20 percent, effective November 7, 2019. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for right obturator nerve neuropathy.

The Board has found that remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records and determine the nature and onset of the Veteran's CVA residuals, as well as assess his erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus. The effective dates for the awards are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity diabetic neuropathies are currently rated at 20 percent each, which is the highest rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to herbicide exposure due to inadequate opinions regarding direct causation. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as there was no evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, but remanded the issues regarding an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss rating was restored to 60 percent, and other claims for higher ratings were granted. The SMC based on erectile dysfunction prior to November 2, 2018, is also granted.

The Veteran's left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent for the period prior to November 21, 2017 and between November 21, 2017 and April 17, 2019. The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the period beginning April 17, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting further examinations.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and diabetic peripheral neuropathy as the Veteran's conditions were not shown to be related to his military service or exposure to contaminants in the water supply of Camp Lejeune.,Service connection was also denied for fatty liver disease due to lack of a causal link between the condition and the Veteran's military service.