Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU based on extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's urge incontinence and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are not granted effective dates earlier than October 30, 2020.,Service connection for right breast cancer status post mastectomy is granted as due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to earlier effective dates and initial disability ratings for various peripheral neuropathies, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right feet due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's glaucoma is currently being remanded as there may be an issue with the AOJ's finding that it existed prior to service.,VA sinus bradycardia rating has been remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current condition and military service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a failure by the Regional Office to properly assist in developing his service connection claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and unit histories. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's diffuse large cell lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, type II, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy are granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The balance disability is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran needs to be provided with VA examinations to determine the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to inadequate previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides. His left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as his sleep apnea, are denied as not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, LLE and RLE peripheral diabetic neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The decision is based on presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's bladder cancer surgery resulted in additional disabilities, including left leg disability, left ankle disability, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The VA is required to review the informed consent documents for these surgeries as part of the remand process.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy disabilities have been remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of increased severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder is dismissed. The claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are granted, but the claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is remanded due to lack of sufficient evidence. The claim for an increased rating higher than 20 percent for a left knee disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, have impacted his ability to secure and follow a substantial gainful occupation at any time during the appeal period. The Board finds it necessary to remand this matter for a medical advisory opinion addressing the Veteran's functional limitations with respect to his service-connected disabilities throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance of another, entitling him to SMC(l). He is also entitled to an award of SMC(o) based on two distinct SMC(l) awards. Finally, he is granted SMC(r)(1) due to his need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension are granted. The Veteran is also granted service connection for these conditions based on exposure to JP-4 fuel in service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is service-connected as it began during active service.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with foot drop is service-connected due to in-service exposure to JP-4.

The Board denied service connection for neurological disorders of the upper extremities other than carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence linking any such condition to service.