Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have been denied. The current ratings are considered appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms, which do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable Diagnostic Codes.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, femoral radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, peripheral neuropathies, and diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction. The AOJ is instructed to contact the Veteran's representative for assistance in obtaining his current mailing address and any pertinent private treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to the Veteran's failure to appear for scheduled hearings, and because there are outstanding STRs and treatment records that need to be obtained. The examiner will assess whether the Veteran has any residuals from in-service frostbite.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric disability due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions, as well as the need to obtain outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's disabilities include musculoskeletal issues, hearing loss, psychiatric disorders, sleep apnea, lung conditions, headaches, heart condition, diabetes mellitus, kidney conditions, eye conditions, peripheral neuropathies, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury, a 70% disability rating for acquired psychiatric disability, and a 50% initial disability rating for migraines have been granted. The claim for a higher rating for migraines has been denied, as well as the claim for a higher rating for right ilioinguinal nerve neuropathy.

The Veteran's ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerves of both lower extremities were restored to 10 percent effective February 27, 2018.,For the period prior to April 6, 2023, the Veteran's ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerves of both lower extremities remain at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's flare-ups and recent VA treatment records. The Veteran will need a new VA examination, and her private chiropractor records will be requested.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, including carpal tunnel syndrome, was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, as well as the claim for TDIU prior to December 6, 2022. The remand is due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current diabetes mellitus was aggravated by his service-connected hepatitis A.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from November 10, 2018, due to service-connected depressive disorder. He also qualified for special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the medical records regarding the Veteran's diabetes and neuropathy diagnoses, as well as a need for additional VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for a cardiac disability and hypertension, both presumed due to herbicide exposure. Service connection was denied for colon cancer, lung disability, spinal cancer tumor, stroke residuals, kidney disability, sleep apnea, deep vein thrombosis of the left lower extremity, neuropathy, and left leg disability (including cellulitis).

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU for the period prior to June 1, 2015, excluding periods of temporary total ratings for his right knee disability. The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed liver condition, bilateral upper and lower extremities peripheral neuropathy, prostate condition, and skin condition. The etiology of these conditions will be evaluated in light of their potential relationship to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with sleep disturbance was rated at 70 percent from October 15, 2016 to August 13, 2018. The Board found that the severity, frequency and duration of his PTSD symptoms more closely approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas during this period.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for the Veteran's back disability and right sciatic nerve neuropathy are inadequate, requiring further examination to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent rating for multiple sclerosis (MS) with speech and swallowing impairment is granted, beginning March 25, 2015.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for right upper extremity (RUE) impairment as a residual of MS is granted, beginning September 10, 2013.

The Veteran's CIDP of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is rated at 70 percent for the right upper extremity, 60 percent for the left upper extremity, 30 percent for the right lower extremity, and 30 percent for the left lower extremity. A total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, vision problems, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to service connection. The Veteran's high cholesterol is considered a laboratory finding and not a disability for VA compensation purposes.