Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for right and left upper extremity neuropathy, including carpal tunnel, as well as right and left lower extremity neuropathy, all due to asbestos exposure. The Veteran's claims were not based on a presumption of service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to a lack of a medical nexus opinion regarding the connection between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 20% rating for cervical spine injury with traumatic degenerative arthritis from August 23, 2019 is granted. The claims for higher ratings and service connection are all remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, diabetes mellitus type II, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether his service-connected conditions preclude him from working.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to a lack of a medical nexus opinion regarding the connection between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's low back condition is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's asthma is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and PTSD, is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome with arthritis is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis and muscle spasms are remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's carpal tunnel and peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity, is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's vertigo is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's left knee condition is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's right knee condition is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for renal dysfunction.,Prior to March 10, 2022, the Veteran's sciatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities was evaluated at a 10 percent rating. From March 10, 2022 to June 10, 2022, his sciatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (RLE) and femoral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity were both rated at a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for the cause of death and aggravation of service-connected conditions. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides is now presumed under a new law.

The Board has found that the development conducted does not comply with the October 2021 Board remand directives and has therefore ordered additional VA examinations to determine the current level of severity of all impairment resulting from service-connected residuals, lacerations, left hand and left middle, ring, and little fingers.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and related conditions have been rated at a 70 percent disability level since December 22, 2008. The Board has determined that he is entitled to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from December 15, 2005, to December 22, 2008, and on a schedular basis thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, effective December 23, 2014. The decision is based on retroactive benefits under the Blue Water Navy Act due to the Veteran's status as a Blue Water Navy Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, along with his diabetes mellitus type II, have made it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected spinal disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to walk independently, perform daily activities, and transfer safely. He is therefore granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of hypertension. The diagnoses of type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart problems are presumed due to herbicide exposure in Thailand during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal was denied because he did not timely file a valid Notice of Disagreement or Higher-Level Review request within one year of the February 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a respiratory disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to lack of compliance with previous remand directives and insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinions. The Veteran's right and left upper extremities disabilities, including tendonitis, are being reviewed again to determine if they are related to herbicide exposure or any other service-connected conditions. Similarly, his right and left lower extremities neuropathy is also being evaluated for a possible link to herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.