Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for ulnar neuropathy, residuals of left arm injury, as it is not factually ascertainable that the increase in disability occurred before February 26, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for Parkinson's disease and bilateral peripheral neuropathy due to service connection issues, including a need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to new evidence added to the record.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. Service connection for hepatitis C, left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for type I diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy due to procedural issues, inadequate opinions regarding etiology, and the need for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's death was caused by end-stage liver disease due to hepatitis C and alcohol use. Service connection for the cause of death is denied as there is no evidence linking his hepatitis C or other service-connected conditions to his death.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and the rating for right leg radiculopathy prior to February 8, 2016 is granted at 10 percent. The ratings for right leg radiculopathy from February 8, 2016; left leg radiculopathy prior to October 14, 2016 and from October 14, 2016 to January 10, 2017 are all denied. The ratings for right leg peripheral neuropathy, left leg radiculopathy after January 11, 2017, and left leg peripheral neuropathy after January 11, 2017 are also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension. The conditions are found to be due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for a skin disability, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus and/or herbicide agent exposure, and TDIU. Additional development is needed to obtain SSA records and private medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral sciatic nerves and right femoral nerve prior to January 4, 2018, and from January 3, 2022.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection and rating as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, motor problems, tremors, and poor memory due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his active service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, is rated at 70 percent. Increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity are denied. Increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) and left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and cataracts as they are inextricably intertwined with the outcome of a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's conditions are related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted as service-connected, with no specific exposure basis provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not cause him to be in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims due to his withdrawal of these issues prior to a decision being made.