Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2023

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder, COPD, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and neuropathy of the feet. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left arm neuropathy and its relationship to his service-connected shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and bilateral lower extremity disability due to inadequate medical opinions provided in previous examinations. The case is returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for clarification of opinions regarding service connection for OSA as secondary to various service-connected disabilities, including diabetes.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and related peripheral neuropathies are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during service. Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to service-connected disabilities and erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus type II, have resulted in his needing regular aid and attendance. The Board found that the evidence was at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran requires assistance in performing activities of daily living due to these service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional medical opinions to address his right upper extremity neurological disability and scars, as well as whether they are related to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for low back disability and associated peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy has been granted a disability rating of 20 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to effective dates for service connection of various conditions, including right and left upper extremity muscle weakness and peripheral neuropathy. The CUE claims have also been referred back to the AOJ.

The Board denied service connection for upper and lower extremity neuropathies, finding that the evidence did not support a relationship to active service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity transverse myelitis and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy conditions have been granted increased ratings, with the right upper extremity receiving a 70% rating and the left upper extremity receiving a 60% rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim has also been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity neuropathy are rated at 40 percent, effective September 2, 2015. The ratings for the lower extremities (sciatic nerve) remain at 30 percent, effective September 2, 2015. The Veteran's right and left lower extremity neuropathy of the femoral nerves are rated at 10 percent, effective August 31, 2017.

The Veteran's lupus erythematosus, also claimed as connective tissue disease, and peripheral neuropathy have been granted service connection. The right eye vision loss (hypertensive retinopathy) has also been granted service connection.,Service connection for COPD remains pending due to the need for a VA opinion addressing the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's left lower extremity PN involving the sciatic nerve is currently rated at 40 percent prior to July 22, 2019.,The Veteran's right lower extremity PN involving the sciatic nerve is currently rated at 40 percent prior to July 22, 2019.,A rating higher than 40 percent for left lower extremity PN from July 22, 2019, is denied.,A rating higher than 40 percent for right lower extremity PN from July 22, 2019, is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to September 16, 2019. As a result, the claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for various conditions, including squamous cell carcinoma of the spheroidal sinus and type II diabetes mellitus, as well as peripheral neuropathy in multiple extremities. The claims are being reviewed again with consideration of additional medical records.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a result of the PACT Act. The kidney disease secondary to hypertension, migraine headaches, diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, status post distal pancreatectomy, and dizziness are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's CIDP, which is claimed as bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The claim will be reconsidered in light of potential toxic exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development to obtain a medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disability, bilateral upper extremity neuropathies, and skin disability. The claims will be adjudicated again based on the new evidence.