Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for colon cancer and related lower extremity neuropathy due to inextricably intertwined issues. Additional medical opinions are needed regarding the relationship between toxic exposures and the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is found to be the proximate cause of his diagnosed acute adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities is denied due to lack of current evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including CAD status post MI and PCI with stent placement, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, left shoulder strain, and right shoulder strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on needing aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of special monthly compensation (SMC) is denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC at the rate specified under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r). The Veteran was previously granted SMC based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and petit mal seizures are currently rated at the maximum available disability ratings. The Board has granted earlier effective dates for service connection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity, right lower extremity, and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to noise during military service is likely related to his current condition. Service connection was denied for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities due to lack of evidence showing onset within one year post-service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes type II prior to March 6, 2023. The claims for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are remanded due to a lack of an opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes, right and left lower extremity neuropathy, and prostate cancer have been dismissed.,Higher ratings were granted for upper extremity neuropathies but the Veteran withdrew his claims for higher ratings of diabetes and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and left leg nerve disorders, as well as his skin cancer and respiratory disorder (asthma), are related to service. However, due to inadequate medical opinions regarding continuity of symptoms since service, the case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus type II, and unspecified depressive disorder. The right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy appeal was dismissed due to a reduction from 10% to 0%. Other claims were addressed but not decided.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA examination addressing the appellant's loss of use of his bilateral lower extremities for purposes of SMC.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with prior remand instructions regarding the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and its impact on his ability to work. The matter is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability results in painful motion, but does not include ankylosis or its functional equivalent. The Board has remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including issuing a Statement of the Case (SOC) and allowing the Veteran to opt-in to the AMA system if desired.

The Board has found that additional development is needed to determine the cause and aggravation of the Veteran's right eye conditions, including pseudophakia, NAION, macula degeneration, visual field defect, optic neuropathy, and dry macular degeneration. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has found that additional remand is required due to the Veteran's inability to attend VA examinations due to health reasons. The issues of service connection for loss of digit on right hand, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, erectile dysfunction, and eye condition are all being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to presumed exposure to herbicide agent is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of facial numbness, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further development and clarification regarding the Veteran's bilateral eye conditions, including their etiology related to toxic exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities were denied. The Board found that the criteria for a higher disability rating had not been met.