Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for stroke residuals and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity are inadequate, necessitating remand to obtain new opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to exposure to Agent Orange are all granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, and additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone require the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeals for heart block, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and tinnitus have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tremors affecting his bilateral upper extremities is remanded due to a lack of an adequate medical examination and opinion prior to the October 2021 decision.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of the right foot and ankle, finding that no effective function remains other than what would be equally well served by amputation below the knee with a suitable prosthetic appliance. The decision is based on evidence from VA treating podiatrists who assessed the severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is not entitled to SMC at a rate intermediate between SMC(l) and SMC(m) (SMC(p)) because he does not have an additional disability rated as 50 or 100 percent disabling.,The Veteran's claim for higher level of SMC, claimed as entitlement to SMC(t), is denied due to the lack of evidence showing that he requires a 'higher level of care' than what is required for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was received after the final April 2008 denial, warranting readjudication of the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The low back disability is granted as related to parachute jumps in service. Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee is also granted. However, the claims for chronic sinusitis and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board denied service connection for left and right upper extremity disorders other than the service-connected left ulnar and median nerve impairment or the right median nerve impairment.

The Veteran's right upper extremity neuropathy is rated at 20 percent, and his depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective July 30, 2014. The TDIU claim was denied as the Veteran did not meet the schedular rating criteria for a TDIU prior to July 30, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to conflicting medical opinions and incomplete treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,A separate disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, has been granted for right lower extremity femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy prior to June 29, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma as secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder. Service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome and right carpal tunnel syndrome is denied, with the latter issue remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for TBI, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) due to unresolved factual questions regarding the Veteran's reported in-service events.

The Veteran's IBS is rated at its maximum of 30 percent. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is granted as it is related to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and his in-service herbicide exposure. The case is returned for further development.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral foot, finding that there was no evidence to support exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand or over Vietnam. The Veteran's MOS as a Chief Clerk did not place him near the base perimeter where herbicide exposure would have occurred.

The Board has remanded the claims of right leg venous stasis/insufficiency, right foot condition with ankle problems, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate notification for VA examinations.