Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was granted a rating of 40 percent effective July 18, 2018. Before this date, his condition was rated as 20 percent for both legs.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including melanoma, nasal cavity growth, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and vision disability. The Veteran is to be provided with VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on service-connected hypoxic disorder, mental health and cognitive disorder from May 23, 2016. He is also granted SMC from May 23, 2016.,The Board has referred the issue of entitlement to a TDIU for the period from August 31, 2012 to May 23, 2016 on an extraschedular basis pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) to the Director of Compensation Service.,The Veteran's claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence showing he was unemployable solely based on his service-connected disabilities during the period from August 31, 2012 to May 23, 2016.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected PTSD. The neuropathy and melanoma claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's disability rating for a heart disorder was restored from 60% to 30%, effective August 8, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work, thus restoring the original rating.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for neuropathy, restless leg syndrome, and a psychiatric disorder due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations and obtain additional medical records. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and visual disorder are all being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, both claimed as secondary to in-service herbicide exposure. The issues are being remanded due to a failure to provide adequate reasons and bases, specifically regarding the duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for heart rash and service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining any form of gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on this finding.

The Veteran's costochondritis is granted as secondary to the service-connected fibromyalgia.,Service connection for pemphigus vulgaris is granted on a direct basis due to continuous symptoms since service.,Right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, vertigo and dizziness are all granted based on relative equipoise of evidence.,Heart disorder (claimed as a heart condition) is granted secondary to the service-connected pemphigus vulgaris.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is granted due to qualifying chronic disability under Persian Gulf criteria.,Irritable bowel syndrome and dry eye with distorted vision are both granted on a direct basis, while dry mouth is granted as a qualifying chronic disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA will obtain medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The issues remain unresolved.

All claims for service connection related to diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a schedular TDIU due to service-connected diabetes mellitus, bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and posttraumatic stress disorder is granted from September 24, 2019. The Board also remanded the issue of an extraschedular TDIU prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for back disorder, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and opinions to determine the current severity of his service-connected Multiple Sclerosis (MS) conditions, as well as whether he has a currently present obstructive sleep apnea that is related to or aggravated by his service-connected MS.

The Veteran's TBI is granted, with the Board finding that his current symptoms are related to in-service head injuries.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss prior to July 19, 2021 is denied. From July 19, 2021 onwards, a disability rating of 10 percent is assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for additional special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and peripheral neuropathy as a result of exposure to herbicide agents.