Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to January 21, 2009 is denied as the evidence does not show that he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for left arm disorder, cervical spine disorder, hypertension (HTN), and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims were also remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his military service, including jumping from aircraft during service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability. The cervical spine and thoracic spine disabilities, as well as the peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are remanded for further development.

The Board has restored service connection for the listed conditions due to clear and unmistakable error in severing them.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new and updated evidence, as well as for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's alcohol use is related to his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if he has an alcohol abuse disorder and its relationship to his PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, finding that it did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's left arm nerve damage is not considered to be service-connected, as the Board found that it was caused by carelessness or negligence on the part of VA during his October 2015 heart surgery.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy at the time of prior VA examinations and submitted DBQs. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted a 40% rating. Ratings of 20% were granted for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities prior to March 31, 2016 and for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremity (radial nerves) prior to September 8, 2020.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the aggravation prong of secondary service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has granted an effective date earlier than May 12, 2016 for the award of a TDIU based on evidence showing that the Veteran was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, including as due to herbicide agents exposure, because no VA examiner has provided an opinion regarding the etiology of the condition. The Veteran and his spouse testified that he began experiencing symptoms in 1975, which they believe are related to peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Korea is presumed, and his peripheral neuropathy and diabetes mellitus are being reviewed again.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of service connection for lower back pain, right forearm condition, right shoulder condition, and greater than 10 percent evaluation for right ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right foot and left foot disabilities, including hammer toes, hallux valgus, onychomycosis, peripheral neuropathy, and arthritis. The Veteran's bilateral feet conditions are being reviewed to determine if they are related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs, including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person.,The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence of a need for aid and attendance that meet some of the required criteria and not all must be met to warrant the benefit. The Veteran's spouse also requires aid and attendance due to her disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was caused by VA treatment for acute bronchitis, specifically the Avelox medication prescribed in March 2013. The event (neuropathy) was not reasonably foreseeable and is considered a direct result of the medical treatment provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to herbicide agents in service. The issues include bilateral glaucoma, back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, hypertension, and a stroke.