Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since October 2020. The Board has granted a TDIU as of July 25, 2023.

The Veteran's increased stipend in the PCAFC is granted due to his need for personal care services each time he completes at least three ADLs and is fully dependent on a caregiver, based on his service-connected conditions and documented medical problems.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than August 26, 2016, for left forearm supination impairment and left elbow tendonitis have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Epstein-Barr syndrome has been granted and readjudicated.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for left upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity neuropathy due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper and lower extremities is granted. For the period prior to June 22, 2019, a rating in excess of 20 percent for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a pinched nerve in neck and PTSD due to errors in form submission. The Veteran's cervical spine disability claim is also being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic kidney disease, diabetic peripheral neuropathy with carpal tunnel syndrome in the right upper extremity, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the left lower and right lower extremity, diabetic peripheral neuropathy with carpal tunnel syndrome in the left upper extremity, and coronary artery disease (CAD), have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for ischemic heart disease, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and surgical scars on the chest as the appellant withdrew her appeal.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and the cause of the Veteran's death as they were not shown to be related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to concerns about informed consent and potential additional disabilities resulting from VA medical care.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disabilities are related to his service-connected multiple sclerosis (MS), and thus remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for diabetic retinopathy. The issues are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, satisfied with the benefits granted in a May 2020 rating decision.

The Board has dismissed the issues of service connection for treatment purposes only for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, a sinus condition, and a heart condition due to the death of the Servicemember. The issue regarding whether the character of discharge is a bar to VA benefits has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left upper extremity neurological disorders, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus Type II. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the claimed conditions, including diabetes and its complications. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, hypertension, and neuropathy of all extremities is granted. The claim for increased rating for tinnitus in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board has found that the development conducted does not adequately comply with the September 2021 Board remand directives and thus, the case is being returned to the AOJ for further development regarding the Veteran's reported exposure to herbicides while stationed at Howard and Albrook Air Force Bases in Panama.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional service treatment records due to incomplete information.