Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for left upper extremity and bilateral lower extremity polyneuropathy, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been granted. The initial rating of 50 percent effective November 25, 2015, was appropriate, and a higher initial rating is not warranted during this time period.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted with an initial 70 percent rating effective June 3, 2016.

The Veteran's right-hand Dupuytren's contracture was granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected right ring and little fingers.,Service connection for left-hand osteoarthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, and peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to inadequate examination findings regarding aggravation.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus has been withdrawn.,The Board is remanding the issues of service connection for cervical spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder, chronic anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for low back disability is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the remand directives and thus, a new VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is related to his active-duty service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are not service connected as they were not shown to be related to his military service.,Obstructive sleep apnea, Grave's disease, and bowel disability (diverticulosis and functional gastrointestinal disorder) are also not service connected due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's upper and lower extremity polyneuropathy is caused by his service-connected diabetes, which has been granted as a result of the Board finding persuasive evidence of diabetic polyneuropathy in all extremities.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of a current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further development regarding peripheral neuropathy and chemical burns, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied due to his failure to attend a scheduled VA examination without good cause.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied as there is insufficient information regarding his employment history and earnings.

The Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome is found to be the cause of his peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities. Service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted, while the claim for a higher rating for irritable bowel syndrome remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for heart disability and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board requests additional VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his pending appeals, including those for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC claims are granted beginning December 4, 2015. The VA has remanded the issues of increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and service connection for renal dysfunction.

The Veteran's cervical strain and DJD of the lumbar spine are not service-connected, as they are less likely than not caused by or aggravated by active service.,Service connection for right shoulder DJD is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine DDD is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for hypertension, left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's current foot disabilities are not considered to have onset in or be related to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for left lower extremity neuropathy and right lower extremity neuropathy, both of which the Board found did not have their onset during service.

The Board denied service connection for right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's condition was incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board denied service connection for urinary/prostate problems, diabetes mellitus, type II, and diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as these conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the effective date for service connection of his right ankle disability and right lower extremity polyneuropathy was denied as timely filed. The earlier effective dates for these conditions were not granted.

The Board has granted service connection for dermatitis to include tinea cruris and onychomycosis, but denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.