Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that the VA opinions provided are inadequate and remands the claims for new medical opinions to address whether the Veteran's right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy disabilities had their clinical onset during service and are due to any incident of service, including running during basic training.

The Veteran's claim for PCAFC benefits is being remanded due to unclear reasons and bases in the denial, as well as a need to clarify eligibility based on new legal criteria set by the Federal Circuit.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly compensation have been referred to the RO for further action as they are no longer relevant due to his death.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected radial, median, and ulnar nerve neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities to 40 percent each. SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of left leg injury, to include degenerative arthritis is denied.,The Veteran's earlier effective date claim for residuals of left leg injury, to include degenerative arthritis is denied.,Service connection for incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve (left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy) is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, secondary to service-connected PAD, on a causation basis.,The Board has also granted service connection for left foot pes planus with plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the secondary service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to August 10, 2022, for the award of service connection for various types of peripheral neuropathy and a TDIU have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar strain with arthritis, right leg peripheral neuropathy, and left leg peripheral neuropathy due to issues related to service connection. The claims are being remanded because of a late filing of the Veteran's appeal form.

The Board has decided to remand the TDIU claim due to a need for updated medical evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist condition, left wrist condition, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and tibial neuropathy of the right knee and lower foot are being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for scar, status post desmoid removal is being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to January 23, 2017 is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inconsistencies in VA examination reports and the need for updated treatment records. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for any private treatment records related to diabetes.

The Board has remanded the cases due to scheduling errors for VA examinations and requests that the Veteran provide any private treatment records.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for upper extremity neuropathy and skin condition affecting the face are remanded.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities. The appeal is remanded for further consideration of issues related to increased ratings and service connection.

The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error occurred and remands the cases for VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of the claims for service connection for neuropathy in the left arm, including as due to the service-connected left shoulder disability, and bilateral tinnitus.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of diabetes mellitus type II, heart disease, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy as the Veteran did not respond to a clarification request.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because his combined schedular evaluation for service-connected disabilities is 100%, but he does not have a single disability rated at least 60% disabling or two or more disabilities each rated at least 40% and the combined rating of those disabilities is at least 70%. The Veteran's unemployability is due to his PTSD, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand four issues related to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DM), a heart disability, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy due to incomplete examination reports that did not address the Veteran's exposure to toxic environments during his deployments in Southwest Asia.