Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus type 2, bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, prostate cancer, and hypertension due to herbicide exposure. The issues of service connection for myositis (muscular myopathy), erectile dysfunction, and hypertension on a basis other than as pursuant to the PACT Act are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as his claim for a higher rating for erectile dysfunction, have been denied.,Service connection cannot be established because there is no evidence that the claimed conditions were present within one year after presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral pes planus with arthritis, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, headaches, multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemic heart disease (IHD), and prostate disorder. The reasons given were that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or in-service exposure.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or herbicide exposure. The skin disorder claim is remanded as the opinion did not address whether it was secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting evidence and missing records. The issues include ear conditions, hearing loss, brain abscess, neuropathy of hands, feet, and legs, and tremors.

The Veteran's RLE neuropathy of the popliteal nerve is rated at 20 percent, effective January 22, 2021. The Board found that this rating was appropriate based on moderate, incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a fracture of the left wrist and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied service connection for left foot and right foot sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy as the evidence did not show a causal relationship between the Veteran's current disability and his in-service injury or disease, including herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, and a back disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin condition and peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish exposure to Agent Orange or a nexus between the conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is granted as secondary to his service-connected IVDS of the lumbar spine. His PTSD and IVDS of the lumbar spine are both rated at 70 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA opinions and new medical evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted a 20 percent rating, effective August 27, 2007. The residuals of discectomy L3 are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.,A 60 percent rating for the residuals of discectomy L3 is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding her hearing loss, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy conditions, and exposure history.

The Board has found that the reduction in the disability rating for service-connected meralgia paresthetica with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve neuropathy of the right thigh from 20 percent to 0 percent was proper. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating remains on appeal and requires further examination.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.