Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination of his right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including ischemic heart disease, lumbosacral strain, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was granted.,Service connection is also granted for diabetic neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not present in service or for many years thereafter, and it is not shown to be etiologically related to active service or a service-connected disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's claim is based on his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, which are presumed due to his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension have been granted service connection. The bilateral retinopathy is secondary to the hypertension, chronic kidney disease with end stage renal disease is secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, and dermatitis and eczema are presumed due to service.,Left upper extremity, right upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or functional impairment.

The Veteran's right foot fracture was denied a compensable rating, but service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity due to herbicide exposure during service was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for cataracts, kidney condition, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The issues include hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of various extremities, kidney condition, valvular heart disease, erectile dysfunction, cataracts, diabetes mellitus, GERD, stomach condition, asbestosis, ankle conditions, back disability, knee conditions, arthritis, right hip condition, and left hip condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (secondary to diabetes mellitus) due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development, and they will be reviewed again by the VA Regional Office.

The Veteran's right and left foot disabilities, including hammer toes, hallux valgus, onychomycosis, arthritis, and peripheral neuropathy, are granted as related to exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for pulmonary nodules and kidney stones have been dismissed. The claims of service connection for neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, PVD of the right and left lower extremities, PTSD, and OSA are all granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings were dismissed. An effective date of August 14, 2017, was granted for a 20 percent rating for neuropathy of the left lower extremity, femoral nerve.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder was granted service connection as it is presumed to have been incurred during his active duty. The Board also found that the Veteran had other disabilities, including sleep apnea and recurrent rashes, which are not directly related to his service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was denied prior to July 22, 2019. A 20 percent disability rating is granted beginning from that date.,A non-compensable rating for the right knee surgical scar remains unchanged.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, kidney disorder, eye disorder, and erectile dysfunction. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's claims, including his vertigo and back disability claims. The issues are inextricably intertwined as the outcome of these claims may significantly impact other related claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience, warranting a TDIU from March 29, 2016.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for a bilateral eye condition, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The remand is due to inadequate opinions regarding the preexistence of the Veteran's bilateral eye condition.