Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is granted effective July 5, 2017. The claims for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease of the left and right lower extremities, and sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease as due to exposure to herbicide agents are granted. The Board also remanded the issues of peripheral neuropathy, finding that additional evidence is needed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for erythema nodosum has been dismissed due to the appellant's request for withdrawal.,The Board is remanding several issues including tinnitus, acid reflux disease, astigmatism, presbyopia, myopia, cervical dysplasia, uterine fibroids, left knee Baker's cyst, demyelinating disease, bilateral foot neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve disability for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to be due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's CKD is caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, and/or hypertension. ,The Veteran's ED is caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,The Veteran's BLE peripheral neuropathy is caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,The Veteran's bilateral cataracts are caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including CVA, erectile dysfunction, heart condition, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. Service connection was granted for psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including right and left knee disabilities, neurological condition, peripheral neuropathies, and skin cancer. The appeals are pending due to conflicting evidence regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, and 20 percent each for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been withdrawn. The claims for an earlier effective date prior to April 22, 2010 for GERD are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and right and left upper extremity disabilities due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection, exposure basis, and rating assignment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have been granted. The claim for a heart disorder is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and gout as there is no persuasive evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as other conditions were denied. The Veteran was granted increased ratings for his PTSD and right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's spouse needs regular aid and assistance to perform daily activities due to chronic low back pain, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and peripheral neuropathy. The Board found that the evidence supports a need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as the effective date cannot be earlier than September 25, 2017.,The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant a higher rating based on his blood pressure readings.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities (right and left) are each rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities (right and left) are each rated at 10 percent.,PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9434.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including coronary artery disease and diabetic nephropathy, have resulted in the loss of use of both lower extremities. This has been determined to preclude locomotion without regular and constant use of an assistive device, leading to a grant for specially adapted housing. However, this legally precludes a separate special home adaptation grant.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity neuropathy, as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine condition. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his bilateral lower extremity symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a cerebrovascular accident as secondary to service-connected hypertension, and for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper and lower extremities as secondary to service-connected residuals of a cerebrovascular accident.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for deep vein thrombosis with post-thrombotic syndrome, idiopathic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and idiopathic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review. The issues of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, feet disorder, peripheral neuropathy, and residuals of frostbite are being reviewed.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, including as due to in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,The Board also denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities with osteomyelitis of the great toes, each including as due to in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or diabetes mellitus.