Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's plexopathy and axillary neuropathy of the left upper extremity is granted a 40 percent rating, effective from January 29, 2016. The cervical spine disability remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies are etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include generalized anxiety disorder. The issues of service connection for CAD, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded due to inextricably intertwined with the denial of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are granted with an increased rating. The claim for service connection for tremors (claimed as suspected Parkinson's) and low back disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and restless leg syndrome due to VA examinations being necessary.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including sinusitis, respiratory disability (asbestosis and asthma), neuropathy of the lower left extremity, neuropathy of the right left extremity, thoracic aortic aneurism, and ischemic heart disease. These claims are based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and has remanded issues related to hypertension, abdominal aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease, and TDIU.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and alcoholic neuropathy are rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of claim. The other issues have been addressed as per the decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease are granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.,The Veteran's gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, right leg peripheral neuropathy, and neck arthritis are remanded for further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The rating reduction for the right femur scar was upheld, and a new rating of 0% effective March 6, 2020 was granted. For peripheral neuropathy, a higher rating than 30% after September 18, 2019 was not granted.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease is granted as presumptively related to exposure to herbicide agents in the Republic of Vietnam. The appeals for glaucoma, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities and for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for diabetic neuropathy and genitourinary system disorder (erectile dysfunction) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran was assigned a noncompensable rating for residuals of inactive tuberculosis.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left leg is currently rated at 40 percent, and no higher.,Prior to March 27, 2018, the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right leg was rated at 20 percent. Since then, it has been rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for CKD is granted. The Board also remanded several other issues including the reopening of a diabetes mellitus claim, depression, and various other disabilities.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions are not adequate to adjudicate the claim of entitlement to an increased initial rating for residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The Veteran's symptoms overlap with his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, and it is unclear whether they can be clearly separated from each other.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for type II diabetes mellitus and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including clarification on whether strenuous activity must be avoided to prevent exacerbation of diabetic symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and related peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure. Additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's in-country service and determine if he was exposed to herbicides.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration, including service connection claims, evaluations of disabilities, and a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction evaluation was withdrawn.