Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected severe neovascular glaucoma, right eye with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran is granted SMC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on his blindness in both eyes.

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been active throughout the appeal period and requires periodic chemotherapy treatments. The nerve impairment of the right lower extremity is secondary to service-connected spinal stenosis.,Service connection for an unspecified blood disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are remanded due to lack of a VA examination in accordance with the Board's March 2019 remand directives.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for medical opinions. The cause of death claim is inextricably intertwined with the diabetes mellitus type 2 claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran's DM is currently rated at 20 percent, but a separate rating for urinary frequency associated with DM is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his Social Security Administration (SSA) records, which may contain relevant information for his service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. The VA will attempt to verify the Veteran's claimed exposure in Thailand.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for tension headaches and has granted service connection for hypertension. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to the need for a new opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy was dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.,His initial rating for MDD remains denied, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher than 50 percent rating based on the severity of his symptoms.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and right testicle injury were both denied. The evidence did not support these claims.,The Veteran's appeal was also remanded for further consideration regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss, cervical injury, and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, CAD, and various types of PN, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since January 19, 2011. The Board granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the claims for arteriosclerotic heart disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and related neuropathies and retinopathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure. The case is returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and VA treatment records.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted as secondary to service-connected left ear hearing loss.,Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is granted due to herbicide agent exposure in Korea.,The issue of service connection for hypertension remains pending and requires further development.

The Board has granted service connection for sensory polyneuropathy of the hands and feet as secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities as due to herbicide exposure, finding that there is probative evidence supporting this conclusion.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board, leaving no issues for consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected neuropathy has rendered him unable to perform self-care tasks and protect himself from daily hazards, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is service connected.,The Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, including left upper extremity, right upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity, are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has restored service connection for bilateral upper extremity and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the original grant of service connection was clearly erroneous due to a conflict in medical opinions regarding the etiology of the condition.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are granted effective January 4, 2018.,Separate ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerve in both lower extremities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the severity of his peripheral neuropathy prior to February 1, 2020, as well as the etiology of his chronic joint pain and stiffness and chronic fatigue.