Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a result of the PACT Act, which now presumes service connection for hypertension due to herbicide exposure.,Service connection is granted for right and left lower extremity peripheral arterial disease based on herbicide exposure. Service connection is also granted for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to alcohol abuse related to PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and the Board dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy and diabetes mellitus Type II were denied. The Veteran was previously rated at 30 percent for both conditions, but the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, myasthenia gravis, and polyneuropathy are all related to his service-connected myastenia gravis. The Board has remanded these issues for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy due to outstanding medical records and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity due to Agent Orange exposure, as it is not clear if the Veteran was exposed in a unit identified as having operated along the DMZ. The Veteran's lay statements and those of his fellow servicemembers support his assertion that he worked near or at the DMZ.

The Board granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but denied service connection for a right upper extremity disorder (hand numbness) and left ulnar neuropathy.,Service connection was established for the Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's back disability, right sciatic neuropathy, and left sciatic neuropathy have been rated appropriately. The reduction of the rating for the service-connected back disability from 40% to 20% is granted. Initial ratings for right and left sciatic neuropathies are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the left upper extremity, bilateral lower extremities have been denied.,Claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the left lower and right lower extremities were also denied.

The Board has determined that additional remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records, conduct new examinations for PTSD and TBI residuals, and determine the Veteran's employment status. The claims of increased ratings for PTSD and TBI residuals, as well as entitlement to a TDIU, are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various types of neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The claim for diabetes mellitus type II is also being remanded, but no rating or effective date has been assigned yet.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with some issues remanded. The Veteran was awarded a TDIU based on his cervical spine disability.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings and service connection, including due to the need for clarification regarding flare-ups and the presence of separate foot diagnoses. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure during service. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves are remanded due to a need for updated medical records, an appropriate examination utilizing the correct DBQ form, and further opinion regarding the involvement of other affected nerves.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for nerve damage and acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete examinations and conflicting opinions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, with nerve damage potentially secondary to a lumbar strain.

The Veteran's CAD is rated at 30 percent prior to September 30, 2016 and 60 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating.,From September 30, 2016 onward, the Veteran's CAD warrants a 60 percent rating under DC 7005.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus is rated as non-compensable from May 7, 2015 to July 17, 2020. The claim for a compensable rating is remanded.,From July 17, 2020 onward, the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (femoral) as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus warrants a disability rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim is remanded.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus is rated as non-compensable from May 7, 2015 to July 17, 2020. The claim for a compensable rating is remanded.,From July 17, 2020 onward, the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (femoral) as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus warrants a disability rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence or credible assertions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right upper extremity and left upper extremity neuropathy, finding that the symptoms are considered in the already service-connected bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy.