Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left and right upper extremity neuropathy, as well as his left and right lower extremity sciatic neuropathy have been granted initial ratings of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 40% respectively.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has not yet been rated in excess of 20%

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left lower extremity neuropathy, finding that the conditions were aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected Parkinson's disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg disability, including neuropathy, and denied his increased rating claims for stress reaction of bilateral ankles and feet prior to December 16, 2015.,The evidence did not support granting service connection or an increased rating for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding treatment records. The issue of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis will also be referred to the Director, Compensation Service.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during his military service is causally related to his current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new medical opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left wrist disability. The AOJ must ensure that the requested medical opinion complies with the terms of this remand.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus type 2 and diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities was denied.,For the period prior to February 18, 2021, an initial rating of 40 percent for right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy of the median and ulnar nerves was granted. For the entire appeal period, a higher rating than 40 percent for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of lung cancer lobectomy is granted due to presumptive exposure under the PACT Act. Service connection for right lower extremity neuropathy, secondary to lung cancer residuals, is denied.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than February 11, 2016 and February 7, 2018 for service connection were denied.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was also denied.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy in both lower extremities and granted service connection for multiple myeloma as due to exposure to radiation during service, specifically in Palomares, Spain. The PACT Act of 2022 is applied to grant presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is dismissed without prejudice.,His claim for a higher rating for pleural plaques, claimed as asbestosis, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) with an effective date of February 25, 2011. The decision was made due to the Veteran's service-connected polyneuropathy which rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for right lower and upper extremity disabilities, including neuropathy, as the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Board denied service connection for Parkinson's disease, as the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents during active military service.,Service connection was also denied for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities secondary to Parkinson's disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any gainful employment consistent with his education and experience.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these disabilities began during active duty service.

The Veteran's tarsal tunnel syndrome neuropathy and knee disabilities are rated, but the Board has remanded several issues for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sciatica of the left leg and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (femoral nerve) are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Mid-Columbia Medical Center and Workers Compensation.