Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection for peripheral neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as an increased rating for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of sciatic nerve (left and right), and coronary artery disease did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to May 30, 2017 for various service connection claims have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for disability ratings in excess of the current ratings for certain peripheral neuropathy conditions have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including heart disability, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea, benign prostatic hyperplasia, asthma, and dementia, all claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The remand also includes a request for verification of in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no more than Level I in the right ear and no worse than Level II in the left ear.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board found that the Veteran required only restricted diet and an oral glycemic agent during the period on appeal.,Prior to March 6, 2015, the Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was manifested by no more than mild incomplete paralysis (10% rating). Beginning March 6, 2015, it is now rated as 20% disabling for moderate incomplete paralysis.,Prior to March 6, 2015, the Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was manifested by no more than mild incomplete paralysis (10% rating). Beginning March 6, 2015, it is now rated as 20% disabling for moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetic nephropathy is granted at a 60 percent level, but no higher. The other issues are remanded due to the failure to secure VA treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for Erectile Dysfunction and Peripheral Neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, finding no evidence of onset during service or relationship to any in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination, and the need to determine if the Veteran's neuropathy is related to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, and associated diabetic polyneuropathy of multiple extremities due to potential exposure during service in the Southwest Asia theatre of operations. Additional medical opinions are needed regarding whether these conditions are related to such exposures.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for loss of use of bilateral upper extremities due to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is denied, while the claim for loss of use of bilateral lower extremities is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed. The claims of COPD and a chronic respiratory disorder other than COPD were withdrawn by the Veteran, while his claims for tinnitus, low back disorder, PN of the RUE, LUE, RLE, and LLE were denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left ankle shrapnel muscle injury and TDIU has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a moderately-severe disability, and his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a link between any of these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to July 19, 2012, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for further consideration by the Director of Compensation and Pension Service.