Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy due to lack of a current diagnosis. The cases of prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are all remanded as the VA examinations have not been conducted yet.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from January 31, 2020 to June 28, 2021 due to his service-connected disabilities. Prior to that date and after June 28, 2021, the Veteran's combined disability rating is 100%.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the entire period prior to December 17, 2019 due to his service-connected disabilities making it at least as likely as not that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, restless leg syndrome, GERD, and hypertension as the symptoms were found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both the right and left upper extremities due to a lack of competent and credible evidence indicating current disability.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been rated as 20 percent disabling since May 13, 2011. As of November 22, 2021, he is granted a separate 30 percent rating for complete paralysis of the musculocutaneous (superficial peroneal) nerve under Diagnostic Code 8522.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes and various types of neuropathy in all extremities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any exposure to herbicide agents or water contaminants at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for COPD, tinnitus, lower back condition, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities due to service connection. The appeals are remanded because there is insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations. The issues include head injuries, psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, sleep apnea, spine problems, nerve damage in limbs, and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, sleep apnea, and bilateral foot conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for major depressive disorder, bilateral hand problems, back disability, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case to issue a supplemental statement of the case addressing all issues related to the claim of an increased rating for residuals, status post repair, of laceration of the left Achilles tendon.

The Veteran's sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated as 20 percent disabling prior to September 14, 2015. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate given the moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy of both left and right lower extremities are currently rated as 20 percent disabling prior to September 14, 2015. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate given the moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's death was caused by drowning, and the Board has determined that his service-connected bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy (PN) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) contributed to his death. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and relationship of the Veteran's conditions to his military service, including potential cold weather exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not shown as chronic in service, nor did they manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The Board finds that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during his service aboard the USS Coral Sea.,The Veteran's neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity were not shown as chronic in service, nor did they manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The Board finds that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during his service aboard the USS Coral Sea.,The Veteran's neuropathy of the right upper extremity may be secondary to his diagnosed diabetes mellitus, but his diabetes mellitus is not a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for CLL, peripheral neuropathy, psoriasis, and vertigo are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding potential exposure to ionizing radiation during his military service.,The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for PTSD prior to June 12, 2018, and since then is also being remanded as additional information is needed from SSA records and medical examinations are required.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hand disorder, bilateral wrist disorder, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and acquired psychiatric disorder are not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, PTSD with major depressive disorder, and erectile dysfunction have been granted. The issue of a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has also been remanded.