Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for regular aid and attendance, but do not meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause an impairment in his ability to obtain, maintain, or retain suitable employment. The Board found that the Veteran did not have an employment handicap and was therefore not entitled to VR&E services.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and stroke disorder, finding that these conditions are proximately caused by the Veteran's service-connected tuberculosis. Service connection was denied for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than September 24, 2020, for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities. The decision states that no unadjudicated claim was received prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to a duty to assist error. The VA must obtain an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's diagnosed conditions are related to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU stems from his November 2018 claim, and the effective date of TDIU is denied as a matter of law due to the finality of prior decisions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and bowel dysfunction, secondary to prostate cancer. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible lay statements of continuous symptoms since separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, allergies, skin cancer, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, left lower extremity, right upper extremity, and right lower extremity, as well as residuals of an aneurysm. Service connection was denied for polyps in colon.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in decision-making and lack of adequate VA examination.

The Board has found that there are outstanding VA and private treatment records for the Veteran's conditions, including his inclusion body myositis and peripheral neuropathy. The claims are remanded to obtain these records and to secure VA opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Veteran's left shoulder subacromial impingement syndrome was previously rated at 20 percent, but a higher rating of 30 percent is granted starting from October 4, 2019. The Veteran also received a separate 30 percent rating for his left upper extremity scapularis neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's exposure history is noted but not addressed in the current medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical strain.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating for various peripheral neuropathies in all four limbs, as well as for a surgical scar secondary to CAD.,Additionally, the appeal for retroactive benefits due to cause of death was also dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected right hand neuropathy status post (s/p) nerve release is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy of all radicular groups and tinnitus was granted with an effective date of September 19, 2019.,However, the Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no current diagnosis that meets VA criteria.

The Veteran's RLE neuropathy is granted a 30 percent rating, but no higher. The Veteran's plantar fasciitis with osteoarthritis is denied an increased rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, residuals of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity neuropathy was granted an earlier effective date of November 5, 2012 for the increased 20 percent rating.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neuropathy and TDIU claims were denied.