Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine, degenerative disc disease, spondylosis of the spine, and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), is granted.,The Veteran's left upper neuropathy is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents and is granted.,The Veteran's right upper neuropathy is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents and is granted.,The Veteran's right lower radiculopathy, causally due to his service-connected back disability, is granted.,The Veteran's left lower radiculopathy, causally due to his service-connected back disability, is granted.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity (radial) and a 40 percent rating for lumbar radiculopathy with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity (sciatic), while denying higher ratings in other cases. The appeal for TDIU was denied due to the Veteran's failure to provide necessary information.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, tinnitus, lumbar strain, sleep apnea, cervical strain, upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, adjustment disorder, and a left elbow scar were dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals. The claims for increased ratings of bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome are denied as the Veteran failed to attend scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The claims for service connection for neuropathy, left foot and right foot, as well as kidney disease, were remanded due to insufficient examination findings.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including right lower extremity neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and tinnitus.

The Veteran is awarded an effective date for entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from May 15, 2020, the date of his original claim for increased rating for service-connected left hand neuropathy.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability due to lack of jurisdiction.,The reduction in rating for left upper extremity neuropathy from 40% to 20% effective March 1, 2023 is upheld.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral retinopathy due to inadequate development regarding his exposure to chemicals or other toxins while stationed at Bergstrom AFB.

The Veteran's left and right foot peripheral neuropathy, as well as cystic kidney disease, are not service connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,VA has determined that the Veteran does not have a compensable rating for hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to unclear notice and denial reasons. The Board finds the PCAFC decision did not clearly state which criteria were unmet, leading to a need for clarification.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the claim for an initial compensable rating is denied.,Service connection for right knee arthritis has been granted in full by a prior decision. The appeal of this issue is dismissed.,Service connection for RLE, LLE, RUE, and LUE peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure is not established as the evidence does not support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The appeal regarding hypertension is dismissed, and the issue of an increased rating for left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity sciatic peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss, prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and degenerative joint disease/degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine have been denied due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The claim cannot be granted under any raised theory of entitlement based on the current evidence of record, and a new examination and medical opinion are needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and his peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity is denied.,Service connection for restless leg syndrome of the left leg and right leg is denied.,Service connection for MGUS is remanded due to lack of evidence regarding exposure to radiation or other toxic exposures.,Service connection for chagas disease is remanded as there is insufficient verification of service in Guantanamo Bay.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hemiparesis of the right upper extremity and right lower extremity, unspecified depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity, tinnitus, and hypertension, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted SMC based on this need.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy/peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. The decision is based on the Veteran's competent lay statements and a VA medical opinion linking his symptoms to his in-service exposure.