Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2022

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve were rated at 20 percent prior to December 11, 2021. The evidence does not support a higher rating during this period.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve were rated at 30 percent from December 11, 2021, forward. The evidence does not support a higher rating during this period either.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to new evidence suggesting a possible link to herbicide exposure. The case will be reviewed with a VA examination to determine if there is a current diagnosis and its relation to service.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective January 18, 2013, based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective as of the date of decision. The right knee disability receives a 100 percent rating for one year following total knee replacement surgery on September 30, 2014. An increased rating higher than 30 percent for the service-connected right knee disability post-replacement is denied. A TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to July 26, 2018 is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance with adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's representative withdrew his appeals for service connection for ischemic heart disease, cystic kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities during a hearing before the Board.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and hypertension. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as due to herbicide agent exposure in Korea.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to exposure to herbicide agents and bilateral foot diabetic neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the presumption of service connection applies in both cases.

The Board has found that additional development is required before the claims on appeal are decided, and thus remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed. The claim for service connection of upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus II has been reopened, and the claim is granted.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated. The issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for left shoulder disability, eye disabilities, and PTSD due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for toenail and fingernail disorders have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims during a Board hearing.,Service connection has been granted for bilateral hearing loss, with no effective date provided.

The Board has denied service connection for a left foot disability, a right foot disability other than Achilles tendonitis, and hearing loss. Service connection was granted for left lower extremity neuropathy and right lower extremity neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist disabilities are related to his service-connected somatic symptom disorder and residuals of TBI, but additional evidence is needed from a neurologist to determine if they were caused or aggravated by this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and associated neuropathy have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 30, 2020. The Board has granted TDIU based on this.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, to include neuropathy and other complications is granted. The cause of death due to the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is also granted. SMC based on need for aid and attendance is granted. Claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service. The VA examiners concluded that the current diagnoses are not related to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated diabetic peripheral neuropathy are rated at 40 percent effective December 10, 2016. The Board granted an increased rating for these conditions.