Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for hepatitis C, sickle cell anemia, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was granted. The effective date remains to be determined as it pertains to a prior final decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral cataracts with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for various diabetic neuropathy and Parkinson's disease conditions are being remanded due to the failure to provide adequate notice of a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for a lumbar spine disability, neuropathy/radiculopathy of upper and lower extremities due to unresolved issues with medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in a May 2022 VA opinion regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is secondary to service-connected disabilities including diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. The AOJ needs to obtain an addendum opinion addressing whether these conditions caused or aggravated the Veteran's obesity.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected under the PACT Act.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability is denied.,A rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (all radicular groups) is granted.,A rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (all radicular groups) is granted.,A rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve) is granted.,A rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve) is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes and various types of neuropathy are remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is also rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines.

The Board denied service connection for non-diabetic neuropathy and chronic joint pain, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of SMC at the A&A rate effective August 17, 2021.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy. The VA examiner needs to provide a comprehensive report with a clear rationale for any opinions offered.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the Veteran's failure to appear for scheduled examinations and a change in address. The Veteran is required to provide updated contact information and be given another opportunity to report for the needed examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including colon cancer, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development regarding exposure to burn pits during active service.

The Board denied service connection for left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding no current diagnosis of the conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, headaches, sinusitis, low back disability, skeletal arthritis, shoulder disabilities, and a respiratory disorder are denied.,There is no evidence linking these conditions to military service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between his current disabilities and service. The appeal was also remanded for additional development regarding entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied service connection for the Veteran's left foot condition.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from September 18, 2017 due to his service-connected diabetes and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been reopened, but the evidence is not sufficient to establish a link between his current condition and military service.,Service connection for fibromyalgia was denied as there is no persuasive evidence of its diagnosis or onset during or following service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, finding that his condition was not incurred during service or due to herbicide exposure.