Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his military service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,For peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, the Veteran's claims were also denied as there was no credible or probative evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board denied effective dates prior to January 15, 2014 for the awards of service connection for various diabetic conditions and end stage renal disease due to herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 22, 2013 was denied as there is no evidence that the disability rendered him unemployable.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for DEA benefits prior to August 22, 2013 was also denied due to lack of a permanent total service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, including as due to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of both upper extremities, including as due to herbicide exposure. Additionally, his claim for a higher rating for ischemic heart disease is also being remanded.

The Veteran's left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected disfigurement of the face. Effective dates for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, anemia associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and infraclavicular scar are granted. The effective date for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction is denied.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The decision found that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure basis.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available.,For the period prior to September 14, 2020, the Veteran's left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy are each rated at 10 percent. After September 14, 2020, they are both rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period prior to October 5, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to unclear etiology of the Veteran's chest pain symptoms and lack of definitive cause.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is also eligible for special monthly compensation due to his disabilities. The TDIU was granted effective from December 2, 2011, and the SMC housebound was granted effective from August 1, 2017.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum VA medical opinion to address service connection for lumbar spine disability, orthopedic injury autoimmune reaction, and piriformis syndrome.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II is denied, and service connection for retinopathy secondary to DMII is denied. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy secondary to DMII is remanded, and TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral lower extremity conditions, diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy due to untimely filing of a VA Form 10182 Notice of Disagreement.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, sleep apnea, and anosmia (loss of taste) as secondary to the Veteran's treatment for his service-connected pharynx squamous cell carcinoma.

The Veteran's right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective December 29, 2022.,The Veteran's left upper extremity diabetic neuropathy is rated at 20 percent, effective December 29, 2022.

The Veteran's TDIU rating for PTSD was granted effective September 1, 2011. His increased diabetes rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, Charcot Marie Tooth disorder, and bilateral upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome due to potential issues with the VA examiner's opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, including as due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange). The VA examiner's opinions are needed to determine if there is a link between the current peripheral neuropathies and in-service herbicide exposure.