Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of May 17, 2018, for his 80% disability rating for loss of use of right foot. The Veteran argued that he should have received a higher rating based on peripheral nerve damage from his in-service back surgery, but the evidence did not show an increase in severity within one year prior to filing his May 2018 claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service, and thus denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes, intestinal condition, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and heart condition due to incomplete responses in previous opinions. The Veteran's death while his appeal was pending allowed substitution with his spouse as the appellant.

The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities is granted.,Entitlement to service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is granted. The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability, is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy has been denied for higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic nephropathy was rated at 60 percent from January 9, 2012 to November 3, 2020 and at 80 percent since November 4, 2020. The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were each rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's service-connected diabetic nephropathy was rated at 80 percent from January 9, 2012 to November 3, 2020 and at 100 percent since November 4, 2020. The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were each rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 2, 2016. From April 2, 2016 to June 27, 2016, the Veteran was in receipt of a total disability rating (TDIU) and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The appeal for TDIU is now moot as he is already receiving SMC.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability and there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptomatology.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell carcinoma of the back, peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity are remanded due to insufficient development. The AOJ is instructed to obtain the credentials of the VA examiners who conducted the October 2023 examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, thoracic spine disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities due to inadequate VA examinations. The case is returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right foot condition, finding that it is related to his exposure to cold weather during service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran regarding his employment history prior to December 30, 2010.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as these issues are not properly before the Board due to the finality of prior rating decisions.

The Board granted an effective date of September 12, 2008 for the award of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at the 'L' rate based on loss of use of one hand and one foot. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for SMC due to the need for regular aid and attendance is remanded as there are insufficient medical records to determine his current level of impairment from service-connected peripheral neuropathy, which could affect his eligibility for SMC.

The Veteran's claim for left lower extremity neuropathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7522.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, skin condition, and headaches due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and a bilateral foot disability due to lack of evidence showing chronic in-service symptoms or continuous since service separation.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is granted as it is considered to be a symptom of their service-connected depression.,For the initial rating period from June 6, 2018 to March 25, 2019, the Veteran receives a disability rating of 50% for their psychiatric disorder (depression with anxiety).