Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that the Veteran's July 2017 VA Form 9 was timely filed, and therefore grants the appeal as to whether a substantive appeal was timely filed in response to the February 2016 statement of the case.

The Veteran's service-connected RLE peripheral neuropathy is granted with a 30% disability rating throughout the appeal period.,Service connection for LLE peripheral neuropathy prior to April 8, 2002 is also granted. However, from that date onwards, any request for a higher rating than 10% is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements about his military service near the DMZ, which supports a finding that he served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The Veteran's death was caused by a cerebrovascular accident, which the VA determined were related to pre-existing conditions such as diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy and coronary artery disease. The Appellant applied for DIC benefits after her husband died in January 2014, but she did not receive them until July 20, 2017 due to a one-year waiting period. The Board denied the request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his request. The TDIU claim prior to March 16, 2020 was denied because the Veteran had been employed full-time until he became disabled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for rating purposes, necessitating further examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the Veteran's testimony indicating his conditions have worsened since the last VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance or special adaptive equipment due to his physical limitations and inability to use limbs effectively.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits file.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities due to a lack of an in-person examination. The Veteran is required to provide updated VA treatment records, and an appropriate examiner must be provided with his medical history and current symptoms to determine if there is a relationship between his neurological impairment and his military service.

The Veteran's heart condition, atherosclerosis, is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure.,Right and left lower extremity claudication are granted as secondary to the service-connected atherosclerosis.,Hyperglycemia (claimed as diabetes mellitus type II) is remanded for further examination and opinion.,Right and left lower extremity neuropathy, presumed due to herbicide exposure, is also remanded.

The Veteran was granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, left lower extremity neuropathy as a residual of cold injury, and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease. The initial compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss from January 12, 2007 to October 2011 was denied.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is service-connected due to in-service prostatitis.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's TBI, including rating higher than 10 percent for the condition and separate ratings for other residuals. The service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability as a TBI residual is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and its associated peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's hepatitis C is presumed to have been caused by inoculations received during basic training.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disability and heart disabilities. However, these claims are still pending as further medical examination is needed to determine if there is a relationship between the current diagnoses and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education, training, and work experience.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for prostate cancer, PTSD, ED, and peripheral neuropathy have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's right lower extremity disability, including peripheral neuropathy and peroneal nerve injury, is not considered a qualifying additional disability for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to lack of causation by VA care or treatment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease and peripheral neuropathy are granted, but the issue of service connection for peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to a lack of a VA examination.