Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition, initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and other issues were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for service connection for his skin condition or for higher ratings for his diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, ischemic heart disease, and right eye melanoma are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during his active service or are otherwise related to any in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claims as they are now moot.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to July 28, 2016, for the award of service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathies with hand arthralgia.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right foot peripheral polyneuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during military service and have been continuous since then.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease contributed substantially to his death from acute renal failure. Service connection for cause of death is granted, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an extraschedular rating for diabetes mellitus type II and service connection for additional disabilities secondary to his service-connected diabetes, finding that the symptoms were not exceptional or unusual and did not meet the criteria for an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis in accordance with the DSM-5. The claims for right hand, left hand, right arm, and left arm neuropathy are remanded as medical examination is needed. The respiratory disorder claim remains on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back, neck, left lower extremity, and bilateral hip disabilities as they are related to his service-connected back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he is not in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeals regarding his service connection claims for left and right lower extremity neuropathy, leading to their dismissal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for an addendum medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's other claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The Veteran contends that he had a layover in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) while enroute to his assignment, but there is no concrete evidence confirming this claim.

The Veteran has withdrawn all remaining issues on appeal, including those for vertigo and spinal disabilities. The Board is dismissing the appeals as a result.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's alleged service in Vietnam. The claim will be further developed to confirm any potential periods of active duty or ACDUTRA that may have occurred.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure at Fort McClellan and the nature of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to an issue of entitlement to service connection for diabetes, which is inextricably intertwined with the claim for median nerve/peripheral neuropathy. The decision will be reconsidered after the diabetes issue is resolved.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hypertension and an increased rating for left lower radiculopathy with diabetic neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic stroke, peripheral neuropathy, gallbladder cancer, liver cancer, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA must obtain all relevant medical records before a decision can be made.