Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the earliest date on which it was factually ascertainable that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable was October 9, 2009, but did not find any evidence of peripheral neuropathy prior to March 13, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of his upper and lower extremities due to a conflict in the evidence regarding whether he currently has this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a prostate condition has been withdrawn. Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus type 2, and the claims of left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran's need for the aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities was established as of November 8, 2019. The effective date for SMC based on this need is set at that time.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.,Service connection is not granted for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU benefits prior to December 9, 2016, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's right knee impairment (instability) prior to September 21, 2015 is rated at 10 percent and not higher.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for a low back disorder, left ankle disorder, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy/tremors, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy/tremors, and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy/tremors is remanded due to outstanding medical records and further evaluation being necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and right knee disability have been shown to cause his radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, which is now granted. Additionally, his acquired psychiatric disorder has also been found to be caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and neurological disabilities of the lower extremities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation from September 1, 2013 to February 9, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II and diabetic nephropathy were denied. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity (RUE) was also denied a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, as due to herbicide agent exposure. The VA examiner is requested to provide opinions regarding whether any lower extremity nerve disorder had onset in service, manifested within one year after service discharge, or was otherwise related to service, to include herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have been remanded due to new evidence suggesting current diagnoses but conflicting with previous examinations. The Board requests a VA examination to determine if early onset or herbicide exposure is related.

The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated at 30 percent from April 12, 2010. The left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy remains rated at 20 percent.

The Board has ordered a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's back disorder and neurological symptoms are related to service, including exposure during the Gulf War. The claim is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for polyneuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board requests an updated VA examination to determine if the condition is related to his military service or caused by his service-connected eczema and psoriasis.

The Veteran's prostate condition, including BPH, is not related to his active-duty service.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is related to his presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as his claim for TDIU due to unresolved issues regarding exposure to herbicides in Guam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service injuries and exposure. The cases are returned to the AOJ for further development.