Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hypothyroidism, benign prostatic hyperplasia (previously high PSA), hemorrhoids, itching problem of the hands and feet, and onychomycosis as there was no evidence of a direct relationship to active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DM II with erectile dysfunction and hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and cataracts, have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic joint pain, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, the VA examiner needs to consider recent EMG testing and address whether the Veteran's IHD and the coronary artery surgery where veins were harvested in his legs caused or aggravated the pain.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted as service-connected due to an error in judgment by VA medical personnel for failing to promptly test his lithium levels, leading to prolonged lithium toxicity and resulting in the development of peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy due to herbicide exposure, as it found the previous opinions inadequate.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and diabetic peripheral neuropathy due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The Board also requested verification of exposure to herbicide agents or other types of defoliants during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for herpes simplex virus is denied as there is no persuasive evidence of an in-service onset.,Service connection for the Pfannenstiel incision (scar) associated with herpes simplex virus is also denied due to lack of a link between the scar and any service-connected disability or disease.,The Veteran's GERD is not rated higher than 10 percent as it does not meet criteria for more severe manifestations such as persistent epigastric distress, pyrosis, substernal pain, or arm/shoulder pain.,For thoracolumbar IVDS with arthritis prior to December 11, 2019, the Veteran's disability is rated at 10 percent due to limitations in range of motion and no additional functional loss during flare-ups.,From December 11, 2019 onwards, the Veteran's thoracolumbar IVDS with arthritis warrants a rating of 40 percent as it results in more severe limitation of motion than before.,Right hip arthritis is rated at 10 percent due to limited range of motion and ability to cross legs. Left hip arthritis is also rated at 10 percent for similar reasons.,Bilateral corneal dystrophy with dry eye syndrome does not warrant a compensable rating as it only results in visual acuity impairment up to 20/40 bilaterally.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy and sensorimotor neuropathy prior to December 11, 2019 is rated at 10 percent due to mild incomplete paralysis. From that date onwards, it warrants a rating of 20 percent for moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings are denied as the evidence does not support additional functional loss or impairment beyond what is already accounted for in her current disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's complex regional pain syndrome with peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity. The Veteran will need a VA medical opinion to address this issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased evaluations, and eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea but has remanded the issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left thumb, a left shoulder condition, and ulnar neuropathy of the left elbow due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, thyroid condition, diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to in-service herbicide exposure. The AOJ is instructed to verify whether the planes that operated on the USS Coral Sea landed in or near Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions and need for additional evidence, including a VA opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right upper extremity neuropathy due to a lack of sufficient evidence to decide the claim, including an examination considering whether the bilateral upper extremity symptoms are related to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and colorectal cancer are being remanded due to new evidence received since previous decisions. The Board will seek a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between these conditions and service, specifically exposure to chemical agents at Wurtsmith Air Force Base.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to inadequate medical opinions regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities and left eye retinopathy. The Board found no evidence of herbicide agent exposure in Thailand and thus could not establish presumptive service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus type II, and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The decision found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension. It also concluded that there is no current diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus type II and denied service connection on a presumptive basis as well as secondary to another condition. Service connection was denied for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to lack of in-service onset or causal connection.