Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between herbicide agent exposure during service and the current diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was rated based on inadequate information without a VA examination, which is considered a duty to assist error. The Board has therefore remanded these claims for further evaluation.

The Veteran's headaches, PTSD, and left foot dysesthetic mononeuropathy have been granted increased ratings. The dermatophytosis/tinea versicolor has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hepatitis B infection, prostate cancer with voiding dysfunction, PTSD, and various neuropathies, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations. The Board has determined that the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance are met.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, but granted entitlement to TDIU effective April 8, 2021.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of June 8, 2015 for the grant of service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The appeal to reopen a previously denied claim for hypertension, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is dismissed due to the death of the Appellant.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II and TDIU due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the presence of a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not compensable as he does not have a penile deformity.,The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy has been rated at 30 percent since September 22, 1999 and cannot be reduced due to the 20-year protected rating. The 20 percent rating from July 31, 2020 is discontinued as it was previously rated under DC 8515 for median nerve neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the assigned 20 percent ratings for his service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right and left lower extremity anterior crural nerves is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to errors in duty to assist, including verification of periods of active duty and reserve service. The Veteran's pre-existing left foot status post fracture is being evaluated for aggravation during service, and his current hallux valgus and hallux rigidus are being evaluated for their etiology.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of various peripheral neuropathy and bladder disorder claims due to lack of new evidence or merit.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, arthritis of the lower back, neuropathy of the left peroneal nerve, and a shell fragment wound of the left thigh, require him to have regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this need.

The Veteran's service connection claims for kidney condition and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his diabetes mellitus were denied because there was no disability to provide a nexus at the time of his April 2019 claim, even though he was later granted service connection for diabetes.

The Veteran is in receipt of a total (100%) schedular rating from December 21, 2017. The appeal for TDIU prior to December 21, 2017, has been denied as the effective date was granted earlier.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of entitlement to higher ratings or earlier effective dates.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, stroke residuals, headaches, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The evidence did not show exposure to herbicides during service in Korea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left upper and lower extremity neuropathy, as they are related to INH therapy used during her military service. The case is being returned to the March 2021 VA examiner for further review and an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neuropathy disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The conditions are presumed as a result of such exposure.