Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity due to in-service Agent Orange exposure, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his military service and that this exposure is likely related to his current condition.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to service-connected disabilities, specifically right shoulder arthroplasty and left iliotibial band release.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right ankle degenerative arthritis, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy with radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, rendered him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran was awarded SMC(o) based on the presence of two distinct disabilities that required regular aid and attendance, including 24-hour care by caretakers under supervision of licensed professionals. The Veteran is also entitled to a higher level of SMC(r)(2) due to his need for daily personal health-care services provided on a daily basis in his home by a person who is licensed to provide such services or under the regular supervision of a licensed health-care professional.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, throat cancer with dysphagia, diabetic retinopathy, hypothyroidism, left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, and diabetes have been remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to April 14, 2021, and earlier effective date for Basic eligibility to Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits are also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity did not manifest prior to January 25, 2004. Therefore, an effective date earlier than January 25, 2004, for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's neck disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and CAD have been granted. The Veteran is assigned a 100 percent rating for his CAD from June 21, 2022, with an effective date of June 21, 2022.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes and service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral upper and lower extremities was granted, including a TDIU determination. The effective date is set to the date of receipt of the claims (September 6, 2018).

Service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is granted. The remaining claims of increased ratings and service connection are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of left foot neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and any in-service event or injury.

The Board has granted service connection for axonal polyneuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as bilateral hand arthritis. Service connection was denied for basal cell carcinoma and hepatitis C.

The Board has reinstated service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II, coronary artery disease (CAD) s/p CABG, CABG scars, non-linear superficial anterior trunk scar, left lower extremity (LLE) scar, right lower extremity (RLE) scar, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The reinstatement is effective from May 1, 2018.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetic autonomic neuropathy (claimed as neuropathy of the torso) secondary to diabetes mellitus type II is granted. Service connections for peripheral neuropathy, left upper and right upper extremities, and sleep apnea are denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy prior to March 25, 2022 due to inadequate examination and failure to address whether the Veteran's condition is related to his service and herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence for a decision on his initial compensable rating claim and TDIU claim. The Board finds that the Veteran should have been provided with VA examinations to evaluate additional disabilities related to his service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including fatigue, neuropathy in hands and feet, and cognitive impairment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the Board is dismissing the appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy right lower extremity, hypertension, and bilateral kidneys, as well as an initial increased rating for migraines.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on three issues (carcinoma of the mouth, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities) has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The diabetes mellitus rating was not changed, the cataracts with visual field defects were rated at their maximum, and other conditions like peripheral neuropathy, hearing loss, and tinnitus did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left feet, finding that it is as likely as not incurred during active service due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in the initial decision.