Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left hip disabilities, as well as right and left knee disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions had onset in active service or are causally connected to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy in the Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The issues of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD, and TDIU prior to July 27, 2017 are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and the effective dates for certain service connection claims are dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic peripheral sensory neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal of a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is dismissed. The issues of increases in the staged ratings assigned for diabetes mellitus and entitlement to increased ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which may be related to his military service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate medical opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, heart disability, left knee pain, and migraines, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment since November 11, 2005. A temporary total rating for convalescence associated with a right shoulder condition is denied, but a TDIU is granted effective November 11, 2005.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and neck disorders, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient development. The Veteran's STRs are unavailable, but his statements from fellow service members, private treatment records, and VA examinations support his contentions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a lack of an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected malaria aggravated his peroneal nerve palsy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have necessitated the need for regular aid and assistance of another individual, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. However, there is no evidence to support the claim for loss of use of a hand or foot.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate development and need for a new VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's GBS and CIDP.

The Board has granted service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected left lateral elbow epicondylitis. The right upper extremity and cervical spine issues remain remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of peripheral neuropathy, cardiac condition, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a need of regular aid and attendance, which the Board finds warrants special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sciatica and/or neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, as secondary to his service-connected left ankle fracture and left knee strain. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pancreatitis, right index finger amputation, and peripheral neuropathy of the RUE was denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not warranted based on his symptoms and examination findings.,For left knee osteoarthritis, the current 10 percent rating is maintained as there is no evidence of more severe impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity neuropathy and radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's disability is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected back disability. The issue of right lower extremity radiculopathy was dismissed due to a complete grant of benefits in the January 2021 rating decision.