Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The termination of SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is also restored.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes. He also receives SMC at the housebound rate and for loss of use of a creative organ, but not for need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and related neuropathy issues due to inadequate medical opinions. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus, type II with peripheral neuropathy as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, a headache disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity as they are not related to active duty service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to compensation benefits pursuant to the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for back disability, left lower extremity (LLE) peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity (RLE) peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board granted increased ratings for left upper extremity neuropathy, including separate ratings for the median, radial, and ulnar nerves. The decision was based on new evidence that established a connection to service.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange).

The claims to reopen the previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for lumbar spine disorder, LLE neuropathy, and RLE neuropathy are granted. The claim to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for lumbar spine disorder, LLE neuropathy, and RLE neuropathy for accrued benefits purposes is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further development, including an examination by a neurologist.

The Veteran meets the percentage requirements for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities and is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for secondary service connection to his bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the complexity and need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus, do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for special aid and attendance, which has been granted under SMC on account of the need for special aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as erectile dysfunction, have been granted. The current rating of 20 percent is maintained.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral foot disabilities and the issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation due to inappropriately relying on an August 2019 VA examination report. The Veteran's case is being remanded for further medical opinion regarding his foot conditions, including whether they are aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability, left knee disability, gastrointestinal disability (including acid reflux), headache disability, and neurological disabilities of both upper extremities due to outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for Chiari malformation and a mandible disorder other than right and left trigeminal sensory nerve neuropathy. The case will be returned to the Board after further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerves have been granted. The Veteran is currently receiving a disability rating of 40 percent for his right sciatic nerve condition, effective from January 5, 2021.