Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for service connection of MGUS with iron deficiency anemia, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity are granted effective December 8, 2011.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, right upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity due to a lack of adequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not require regulation of activities, and thus he is not entitled to a rating in excess of 20 percent.,The Veteran's hypertension has been well-controlled by medication throughout the appeal period and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.,For diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, sciatic nerve, the Veteran is not entitled to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent as his condition is manifested by no more than moderate incomplete paralysis.,For diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, femoral nerve, the Veteran is not entitled to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent as his condition is manifested by no more than moderate incomplete paralysis.,For diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, sciatic nerve, the Veteran is not entitled to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent as his condition is manifested by no more than moderate incomplete paralysis.,For diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, femoral nerve, the Veteran is not entitled to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent as his condition is manifested by no more than moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of right ankle, knee, hip, back, skeletal arthritis, bilateral eye condition, vertigo, headaches, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities do not meet the criteria for service connection.,Service connection is denied for all claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he filed a VA Form 10182 in May 2024, which conflicted with an April 2024 higher-level review request for the same issues.

The Board has found that the Veteran requires personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on need for supervision, protection, or instruction. The appeal is remanded to determine if the Veteran is eligible for Family Caregiver benefits under VA regulations.

Service connection for asthma is granted pursuant to the PACT Act, which presumes exposure to burn pits and other toxins without regard to date of onset. Other service connection claims are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents and organic solvents in service. The decision also grants service connection for radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities on a facts-found basis.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to March 19, 2020, for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status is denied as he did not meet the statutory requirements at that time.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for prostatitis, service connection for bone spurs in both feet, and bilateral hearing loss. The claims for diabetic neuropathy of the right and left foot were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he did not meet the criteria for such benefits prior to October 25, 2021.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right ear hearing loss, bilateral elbow, hand, knee, and shoulder disabilities, hemorrhoids, neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and thoracic aortic aneurysm. The appeals are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities has been granted effective July 12, 2018. Higher initial ratings are denied.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, right upper extremity neurologic disorder other than right middle finger surgical neuropathy, left knee, and sleep apnea disorders have all been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during service or within one year post-service.,Service connection was granted for a right middle finger surgical neuropathy disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The VA failed to provide an adequate examination prior to the decision on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for small fiber neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms were present during service and have been linked to his current condition. The effective date of this benefit is October 4, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for CAD, DMII, PCT, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to DMII, and stroke as secondary to DMII due to a lack of consideration on the merits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to obtain the Veteran's Master Military Pay Account (MMPA) records from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). The purpose is to clarify the timing of the development of his ulnar neuropathy in relation to his periods of active service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. A VA examiner will be needed to assess the functional impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is causing him to require assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing and feeding. The Board has ordered a remand for an examination to determine the extent of his need for regular aid and attendance.