Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability and entitlement to TDIU prior to February 24, 2014, finding that there was no evidence of a separate disability other than diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting his feet.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for PN of both upper and lower extremities due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he did not return the required VA Form 21-8940 and there is no credible evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor is granted as service connection due to a finding of reasonable doubt in his favor.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is remanded due to the need to verify stressors and obtain a VA examination.,Service connection for COPD is remanded due to the need to verify exposure to asbestos and obtain a VA examination.,Service connection for polycythemia vera is remanded due to the need to verify exposure to ionizing radiation and obtain a dose estimate.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is remanded due to the need to verify exposure to ionizing radiation and obtain a dose estimate.,Service connection for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus is remanded due to the need to determine if in-service hypoglycemia was an early manifestation or sign of pre-diabetes or diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus is remanded due to the need to determine if in-service hypoglycemia was an early manifestation or sign of pre-diabetes or diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus is remanded due to the need to determine if in-service hypoglycemia was an early manifestation or sign of pre-diabetes or diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus is remanded due to the need to determine if in-service hypoglycemia was an early manifestation or sign of pre-diabetes or diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for Graves' disease, left foot plantar fascitis and idiopathic peripheral neuropathy (to include as secondary to Graves' disease), gastrointestinal disorder (to include as secondary to Graves' disease), heart disorder, and right ear hearing loss have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of current symptoms or service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus. Service connection is also granted for hypertension, but the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a separate compensable rating.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy during a hearing before the Board, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bladder cancer, and lower extremity neuropathy due to potential exposure to herbicide agents in Korea. The AOJ is instructed to conduct additional research into the Veteran's potential exposure.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to gather more recent medical evidence and conduct an examination to determine if the Veteran requires aid and attendance or is housebound due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus II is November 24, 2010. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for further examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, finding that it manifested within one year of separation from service. Service connection was also granted for diabetes mellitus, type II, but with remand due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset during service or related to exposure to herbicide agents.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted due to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for diabetic retinopathy is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The tremors claim is being remanded.,Special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a hand (SMC) has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as it was presumed due to herbicide agent exposure during service.,Right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are both granted as they are complications of the presumptively service-connected diabetes mellitus.,Erectile dysfunction is also granted as a complication of the presumptively service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for a temporary total rating, increased rating for left shoulder disability, and TDIU due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives. The Veteran's recovery timeline after surgeries needs clarification.

The Board has remanded the claims for right eye disability, prostate cancer, brain tumor, neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities, and neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities due to incomplete development regarding exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his PTSD and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy ratings.,Additionally, the matter of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to November 1, 2017 is inextricably intertwined with the rating issues and must be remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right great toe disability, diagnosed as superficial peroneal neuropathy in the right great toe. The decision is based on evidence showing that this condition had its onset during service and is related to an injury sustained there.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the Veteran's heart conditions, CTS of the wrists, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss also needs further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient information regarding herbicide agent exposure during service, which is necessary for determining service connection.