Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Board has dismissed the appeals for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left lower extremity neuropathy due to the appellant's death.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical records and conduct a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left foot third metatarsal stress fracture, as well as any separate and distinct left foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD, peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents or as secondary to service-connected disability. The VA is required to obtain a records-based examination to address whether the Veteran's COPD was caused by his service-connected CAD or diabetes mellitus, and whether he had diabetic peripheral neuropathy during the claim period prior to his death.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. The claims for left and right lower extremity neuropathy are denied as not related to service.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions. The issues on appeal are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and an initial 40 percent rating for gulf war undiagnosed illness, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions obtained following the previous remand are inadequate and requires further examination to determine if the Veteran's CIDP is related to service or any event, injury, or disease during service.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and left lower extremity, finding no current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further examination to determine if a lung disability exists and its etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right-hand disability, including muscular injury, ulnar nerve neuropathy, and arthritis. The case is remanded to determine whether these conditions are related to his in-service motorcycle accident.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to a lack of evidence supporting exposure to herbicide agents or other toxic contaminants during his military service.

The Board has granted a TDIU from June 15, 2018, based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluding him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has found that the medical opinions provided are inadequate and requires a new opinion regarding whether the Veteran had diabetes and/or peripheral neuropathy, and if so, whether these conditions contributed to his death. The issues of service connection for cause of death and burial benefits are remanded due to their interdependence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further examination. The issues of ataxia, major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder (in sustained remission), bilateral neuropathy of the feet, bilateral hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea will be addressed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the effective date of TDIU and further development is needed. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include diabetes, prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy, tinnitus, hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome. The conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation, including by a neurologist to address the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The issues include service connection for right upper extremity neuropathy secondary to ACM with associated neurological disorders of spinal cord syrinx and tethered spinal cord, higher initial ratings for left upper extremity neuropathy, ACM with associated neurological disorders of spinal cord syrinx and tethered spinal cord, and migraine headaches.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus type II due to lack of evidence supporting herbicide exposure in service.