Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his early-onset peripheral neuropathy. The TDIU claim must also be remanded to obtain relevant employment verification.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes. Service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to procedural errors and the need for a modernized review system.

The Veteran's claim for higher SMC rates is denied as his disabilities do not meet the criteria for loss of use of hands or feet, blindness with only light perception, or anatomical loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and variously claimed peripheral neuropathy conditions due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is not conceded.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity prior to December 2, 2020, finding that it was manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity neuropathy, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence to establish a link between his claimed condition and service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy. The AOJ is also directed to obtain any relevant private medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right foot disorders, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current bilateral foot disability and his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with dysthymia and opioid dependence, have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment on a schedular basis from November 14, 2011 to June 7, 2021.

The Veteran's left and right leg neuropathy were rated at 10% prior to February 21, 2015. From February 21, 2015 to November 4, 2021, the Veteran was granted a 20% rating for both legs.,The Veteran's left and right leg neuropathy were rated at 10% prior to February 21, 2015. From November 4, 2021, the Veteran's left leg neuropathy is rated at 20%, but his right leg neuropathy remains at 10%. The appeal was remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted. Additionally, the Veteran is now eligible for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ due to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable for the entire period on appeal, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's PTSD and tinnitus. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine disability, residuals of injury middle back, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's claim for bibasilar fibrosis due to Agent Orange exposure is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to statin medication prescribed by VA.,The AOJ should obtain additional medical opinions related to the Veteran's neuropathy of the left and right legs, including considering internet articles submitted by the Veteran and his son’s statement.,The AOJ should also seek compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for food allergies (including lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, a meat allergy, and fructose allergy) due to statin medication prescribed by VA.,The AOJ should obtain additional medical opinions related to the Veteran's cognitive impairment and service connection for myopathy and/or muscle weakness (including fibromyalgia).,The AOJ should seek compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for food allergies (including lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, a meat allergy, and fructose allergy) due to statin medication prescribed by VA.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for axonal polyneuropathy of the lower extremities as a result of in-service exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, type II, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity have been reopened due to new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for tinnitus.,Service connection is also granted for PTSD based on a credible in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.