Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for Alzheimer's disease, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion.,The effective dates for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities and erectile dysfunction have been set at August 10, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance (SMC) at rate SMC(l).

The Veteran is seeking financial assistance in adapting his current home to be fully accessible.,The Board has determined that the Veteran's combination of service-connected disabilities precludes locomotion without the aid of assistive devices, qualifying him for specially adapted housing.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate notification and scheduling of VA examinations. The Veteran was not properly notified of scheduled VA examinations, which may have affected his claim.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities starting from April 12, 2021.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the original rating decision that granted service connection for neuropathy of bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerves, as it was based on an inadequate VA examination citing to presumptive disabilities without recognizing early onset is part of the requirement for peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 20 percent, and the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and certificates of eligibility for SAH and SHA grant is dismissed.,A rating of 100 percent for service-connected PTSD, effective August 18, 2020, is granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, but no higher.,The Veteran's right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy is rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy is rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, the Veteran is requested to provide more recent medical evidence supporting their claims.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's appeals for earlier effective dates in her claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's lower extremity neuropathy ratings have been granted, but the Board is unable to grant earlier effective dates due to lack of evidence showing a worsening in symptoms prior to November 25, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for diabetic retinopathy with macular edema and pseudophakia, as well as the grants of service connection for right upper extremity, right lower extremity, left upper extremity, and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, are all denied prior to December 27, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since August 26, 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a higher rating from 50% to 70%, and separate ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerves were also granted. These decisions are considered past-due benefits eligible for attorney fees.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of November 13, 2018. The Board granted TDIU from that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all service connection issues, including left leg neuropathy, right leg neuropathy, sinus, rhinitis, asthma, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, thyroids, PTSD, diabetes, heart, right hemiparesis, cervical, and other conditions. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's PCAFC eligibility is being remanded due to a lack of explanation for denying his eligibility, and the need for an opinion on whether it is in his best interest to participate in the program.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since August 26, 2019.