Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and an increased rating for right ulnar neuropathy due to deficiencies in the VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and neurological disorder of the bilateral upper extremities due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's service connection claim is granted for bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, but his claim for neurological disorder of the bilateral upper extremities remains pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, heart disorder, BPH, cervical spine degenerative disc disease with cervical muscle spasm, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, bilateral hip degenerative arthritis, right knee DJD, right ankle condition, vision disability (glaucoma and cataracts), and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that these conditions are not related to service.

The Board has dismissed appeals for initial ratings and effective dates related to depression, anxiety, and a low back disability. The remaining issues of increased ratings for the low back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as service connection for upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, are being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right radial nerve impairments, finding that these conditions are proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate opinions in the January 2020 VA examiner's reports. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions as secondary to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's stroke is rated at 10 percent since March 20, 2008.,Upper extremity peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 20 percent prior to January 7, 2021, and 40 percent thereafter; lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 10 percent prior to January 7, 2021, and 30 percent thereafter.,Femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities is rated at 10 percent since January 7, 2021.,The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 40 percent since January 7, 2021; left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 30 percent since January 7, 2021; and right lower extremity sciatic peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 40 percent prior to January 7, 2021.,The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic peripheral neuropathy is now rated at 60 percent from January 7, 2021, and left lower extremity sciatic peripheral neuropathy is also rated at 60 percent since that date.,Right lower extremity femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy has been rated as non-compensable prior to January 1, 2021; left lower extremity femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy has not yet received a rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower left extremity disability and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's pre-existing left leg laceration was not aggravated during service, and he did not have any other left leg disabilities that were service connected.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for erectile dysfunction and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has been dismissed as these issues have been granted.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left upper extremity, right upper extremity, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have also been dismissed as these issues have been granted.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) has been remanded.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for urination/voiding dysfunction and hypertension have also been remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disability, neck disability, bilateral eye disability, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to active service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and bilateral hip disabilities. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,Service connection was denied as there is no medical evidence linking any current diagnoses to service.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, PTSD, substance abuse disorder, OSA, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The appeal was remanded to clarify the diagnosis and etiology of a TBI.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to outstanding SSA records and inextricably intertwined issues of an increased rating for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 50 percent, but no higher, for depression with PTSD has been granted. The issues of service connection for connective tissue disease, lupus erythematosus, peripheral neuropathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and loss of vision in the right eye have been remanded.

The Veteran's right foot disability, including the right fifth toe neuropathy and right foot tendon injury, is rated at 20 percent prior to November 30, 2021. After that date, her condition remains rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted. The cervical spine disability, PTSD, TBI with headaches, head scar, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability are all remanded.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (CIDP) as the evidence does not show a link to service, including exposure to herbicides or lead.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information regarding his exposure to herbicide agents during service.