Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and incorrect dates of service. The Veteran's STRs need to be verified, and a search should be conducted for legible copies of his service treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities as the Veteran's representative requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy are granted with evaluations of 70 percent and 60 percent, respectively.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are presumed based on his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various peripheral neuropathy disabilities in their lower and upper extremities due to procedural issues.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of development and further examination. The claims will be reviewed again with additional information from his medical records, participation in TERAs, and other relevant evidence.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations and opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, secondary service connection, and aggravation of disabilities. The issues include cervical spine arthritis, headaches, bilateral upper extremity nerve conditions, and sleep disability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability can be adjudicated. The claims file must be updated with the Veteran's SSA records and earning reports, and the case will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he is unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied earlier effective dates for TDIU, DEA, and SMC for housebound status. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded to obtain a medical opinion.

The Veteran's left ankle, left wrist, and right wrist disabilities are granted secondary to service-connected conditions. His LUE and RUE peripheral neuropathy are also granted as secondary to his bilateral wrist disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates were denied as the claims had already become final due to a prior reduction in rating.

The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and restless leg syndrome, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's exposure to perchloroethylene during his active-duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the remaining issues due to lack of VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disorder manifested by left hand cold sensitivity, numbness, and circulatory problems as secondary to his already service-connected left wrist median/ulnar nerve neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure or in-service onset.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and related conditions have been granted. Service connection is also established for ischemic heart disease, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, and left upper extremity, but not for right upper extremity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, while claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were granted. The Board also remanded cases regarding respiratory condition and diabetes mellitus due to in-service exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both hands and essential tremors was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome/peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome/peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides during active military service.