Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Board has found a procedural issue and is remanding the case for further action, including sending a copy of the December 2023 Supplemental Statement of the Case to the Appellant's representative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathies of both lower and upper extremities, and erectile dysfunction due to worsening symptoms since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU and DEA were denied as his service-connected conditions did not render him unemployable within the one-year lookback period prior to September 18, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected DM based on herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU from December 28, 2005 due to her service-connected disabilities including thrombophlebitis and sensory peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings for type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity, which were dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding several conditions, including radiculopathy and anxiety disorders. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability prior to June 15, 2011 is remanded. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the percentage standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) and referred it to the Director, Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation were denied. The rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis was not granted above 20% prior to November 9, 2017, and above 40% thereafter. Ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were also not granted above the assigned levels.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, and bilateral shoulder disabilities. Service connection for neurological disorders of the lower and upper extremities is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as well as diabetic retinopathy due to lack of evidence of herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's claims were not supported by credible evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified anxiety, was granted service connection. Left ear hearing loss and erectile dysfunction were also granted. However, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left knee flexion limitation, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), and hypertension are denied. The rating for diabetes mellitus is not met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy was granted, and the effective date is set to May 2, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back disability was denied, and the Board granted a TDIU from June 29, 2017.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to be related to his service-connected herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity are also presumed to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,There is no evidence that the Veteran's liver cancer is related to his service.

The Veteran's left upper extremity neuropathy was granted increased ratings from March 26, 2012 to June 6, 2018 (40%), from June 7, 2018 to January 29, 2020 (70%), and from January 30, 2020 onwards (90%).,The Veteran's right upper extremity neuropathy was granted increased ratings from August 5, 2011 to June 6, 2018 (30%), from June 7, 2018 to June 5, 2019 (60%), and from June 6, 2019 onwards (80%).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, pseudophakia, and hypertension, have rendered him unable to maintain regular, substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and experience.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for compartment syndrome is granted at a 10 percent rating from January 5, 2012 to November 8, 2013. From November 8, 2013 onwards, he receives a 20 percent evaluation for superficial peroneal neuropathy of the left lower extremity with restless leg syndrome associated with compartment syndrome.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims for various disabilities, including heart disability, prostate disability, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, stroke, back disability, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, kidney disease, left knee disability, liver disease, neck disability, radiculopathy, right and left lower extremities, skin disability with trophic changes, and tinnitus. The claims are remanded due to the need for updated medical records and VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure or a diagnosis within the presumptive period. The Veteran's claims were based on presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, but there was insufficient evidence to support this claim.