Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for cerebrovascular accident (CVA or stroke), left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (LUE PN), and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (LLE PN). Service connection for heart disability, diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (RLE PN), and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (RUE PN) is denied.

The Veteran's right upper extremity neuropathy, claimed as a right shoulder disability, is granted compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to the January 2014 fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of a right neck mass at Martinez VA Medical Center.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are remanded due to a lack of a VA examination. His claim for an increased rating for malaria is also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic nephropathy, left upper and right upper diabetic neuropathy, as well as left and right lower diabetic neuropathy. The Board also granted service connection for left and right lower diabetic neuropathy, as well as left and right restless leg syndrome, all secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to a lack of adequate examination and medical opinion. The claims are being returned for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU were dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction were denied. The criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria were not met.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to a lack of compliance with remand instructions regarding Agent Orange exposure in the DMZ during the Veteran's service from July 1969 to February 1971.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability, onychomycosis of the feet, and peripheral neuropathy are denied.,Service connection is not granted for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity or right lower extremity as secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right elbow disability and peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support increases to the current ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an initial disability rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD), and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran is required to provide an adequate opinion on these matters.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as the claim for TDIU. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, with an effective date of March 7, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board has remanded four issues related to peripheral neuropathy ratings due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Veteran's respiratory condition and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were not found to be related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn all open claims and hearing requests.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, hypertension, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are all granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy ratings, as well as TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.