Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for upper right and left extremity neuropathy were denied. The claim for PTSD was granted, with a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to procedural issues related to the opt-in process and the implementation of the Modernized Appeals System (AMA).

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral polyneuropathy in the right lower, upper extremities, and left lower, upper extremities is granted. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory condition, but denied service connection for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. Service connection was also denied for a skin condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, effective from April 4, 2018. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, spinal stenosis, and left leg neuropathy. The conditions are considered to have started during active duty.

Service connection is granted for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.,Service connection is denied for cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, respiratory disability (chronic), obstructive sleep apnea, tinnitus, and chronic disability manifested by dizziness.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and COPD. The claims are being remanded to obtain new medical opinions and additional development.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain adequate VA examinations and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease and bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, as these conditions are claimed as secondary to exposure to herbicide agents or service-connected diabetes mellitus type II or coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, headaches with forgetfulness, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, and obstructive sleep apnea have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied service connection for RLE radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy, as well as arthritis. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of these conditions during the pendency of the claim or recent to its filing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was denied. The Board found no evidence of such a condition.,Service connection for diabetes was granted effective October 24, 2017, but the Veteran sought an earlier effective date. This request was also denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A separate rating for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity prior to June 6, 2016 has also been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since July 15, 2014. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral lower extremity neuropathies (left and right), and denied service connection for a left ankle disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and additional development is required.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinion on direct causation, and will seek an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.