Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, right eye disability, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Korea.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a low back disorder due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to herbicides. Service connection was granted for the low back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for their service-connected right ankle disability is denied, as well as a prior to March 10, 2022.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to the inadequacy of the VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory condition, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and skin condition. The case will be remanded for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate examinations and need for updated treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, have rendered him unemployable due to physical limitations and functional impairments. His claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability and for service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, secondary to total right knee replacement are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has restored the original disability ratings of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities, effective September 1, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for lymphoma, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.,There is no evidence of a nexus between the diagnosed conditions and active duty service.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims for the Veteran's conditions, as his death during the appeal process made it impossible to adjudicate the merits of the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and carpal tunnel syndrome were denied as there was no evidence of a relationship between the conditions and service. The Veteran's hip strains, knee instability, and osteoarthritis are also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and noting that the condition did not manifest within one year after separation from service or due to herbicide exposure. The Board also found that secondary service connection could not be established.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. Hypertension was also found to be related to service, but no rating is assigned due to lack of compensable manifestations.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed without prejudice due to the combined disability rating of 100% from March 23, 2021. The issue of SMC is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, but denied service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. Service connection was also granted for erectile dysfunction and renal dysfunction as secondary to bladder cancer, and prostate cancer as a result of bladder cancer.,The Veteran's prostate cancer is considered secondary to his service-connected bladder cancer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's diabetes, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension are all found to be related to his active duty service. The Board granted the Veteran's claims for these conditions based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, other than carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), as secondary to service-connected foot, knee, and back conditions and/or use of assistive devices. The Veteran's bilateral CTS was granted in a separate decision.