Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Board has granted initial 40 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity neuropathy affecting the sciatic nerve, finding that the Veteran's condition meets the criteria for a moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and no one has sought substitution as an accrued-benefits claimant.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (posterior tibial nerve) and neuropathy of the right lower extremity (internal saphenous nerve) have not met the criteria for increased ratings. The right foot contusion injury residuals are rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating under the applicable diagnostic code.,The Veteran's COPD has not more nearly approximated forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1) of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or FEV-1/Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) of 56 to 70 percent, or DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinions are inadequate for all issues on appeal, particularly regarding the etiology of peripheral neuropathy, essential tremor, and CTS. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents is presumed, but further medical examinations and opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is found to be the cause of his diagnosed peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity. His claim for an increased rating for lumbar spine disability was granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II was dismissed. The appeals for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The appeal for right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus type II and associated right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy was granted with an effective date of March 29, 2011. The earlier effective date is denied as the law does not allow it.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential exposure to herbicide agents, radioactive compounds, chemical warfare agents, and/or PCBs during active duty at Fort McClellan, Alabama.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, effective April 23, 2013.

The Board has restored the 20 percent ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities and lumbar radiculopathy with diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, effective from August 1, 2020. The Veteran's symptoms have not improved under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and SMC have been granted with effective dates of November 3, 2017. The conditions were found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II with peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient medical opinions and need for a new opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to lack of evidence supporting a direct relationship between the claimed conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes, blood pressure disorder, and peripheral neuropathy due to potential exposure to herbicides during service. The deck logs of the USS Hammerberg and USS Ranger need to be reviewed to determine if the Veteran was in an area where presumptive herbicide exposure took place.

The Board denied service connection for rectal bleeding and polyps, finding that the condition clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and was not aggravated by it. The other claims were remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy. The evidence is at least in balance that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service due to exposure to contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted as secondary to service-connected bilateral rotator cuff tendonitis.,The Veteran's ED is granted as secondary to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error, including obtaining missing service treatment records and conducting VA examinations.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted.,Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II is granted.,Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran's symptoms are being evaluated in relation to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.