Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, specifically related to in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since the time of his September 5, 2017 TDIU claim and through November 30, 2021, when a 100 percent schedular rating is assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities has been granted increased ratings, and he is now eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and service connection for neuropathy in multiple extremities are remanded due to insufficient examination details, incomplete development of Social Security Administration records, and the need for a VA opinion regarding peripheral neuropathy etiology.

The Veteran's tinnitus, left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy have been granted service connection. The appeal regarding a higher evaluation for SMC is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes is found to be the primary cause of his diagnosed conditions, including asthma, erectile dysfunction (ED), hypertension, bilateral diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy in multiple extremities, and a left eye scar. The Board has granted increased ratings for these conditions based on their secondary relationship to diabetes.

The Veteran's dental disabilities and dyshidrotic eczema have been granted service connection. The right shoulder disability, right lower extremity disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development, specifically regarding a VA examination that addressed evidence of lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and its relationship to service-connected lumbar strain.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service or exposure to Agent Orange. The claims were also not granted on secondary basis as the Veteran is not service connected for diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for increased ratings of his lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the August 13, 2018 rating decision was not appealed and is final.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to inconsistencies in obtaining a nexus opinion and the need for further development of the obesity issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection regarding peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities has been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for dry eye syndrome was denied. Service connection for abdominal pain, right hip and knee disabilities, and peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy of the upper extremities were granted. The issues of service connection for right hip and knee disabilities and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability, left upper and lower extremity neuropathy, and right upper and lower extremity neuropathy. The decisions are based on the Veteran's reported symptoms and medical evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected musculoskeletal conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities required regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities (including as secondary to service-connected hypertension), residuals of strokes (secondary to service-connected hypertension), bilateral glaucoma (secondary to service-connected hypertension), and low back disorder (secondary to service-connected left knee disability).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, as well as a cervical spine disorder, were previously denied. The current petition to reopen these claims has not presented new and material evidence.,Service connection for chronic kidney disease was also denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's service records do not support a presumption of exposure to herbicide agents or actual exposure during service. As such, these claims are denied.