Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, finding that it is related to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy was improper due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The appeal is granted.

The appeal for service connection of colon cancer and peripheral neuropathy (PN) of the lower extremities is dismissed. The appeal for service connection of colon cancer is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including effective date claims and disability evaluation requests. The appellant is seeking clarification on when certain benefits were awarded or should have been awarded.

The Veteran's back disability and neuropathy in the right lower extremity are currently rated at 20% each. The Board denied an increased rating for both conditions as there was no evidence of limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as he does not have a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy (upper and lower extremities), erectile dysfunction, vestibular disability, skin condition, heart condition, and respiratory condition are remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.,The Veteran's claim for a bilateral kidney condition is remanded as it may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's sciatic nerve neuropathy ratings for both lower extremities were restored, but her spinal stenosis with degenerative disc disease claim remains pending.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings in both lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathies and spinal stenosis are still under review.

The Board has remanded the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to a lack of current diagnoses in the record.

The Veteran is granted TDIU for the period from October 17, 2017 to April 25, 2022 due to his service-connected eye disability and associated insomnia disorder and migraines.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, gastroparesis, and peripheral neuropathies have been granted ratings. The Veteran has also been awarded a TDIU and SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation for the period from May 5, 2013 to April 22, 2017. The Board granted TDIU based on this evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure under the PACT Act. Service connection for BUE and BLE neuropathy, respiratory disorder (asthma), and skin disorder (contact dermatitis and eczema) are denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's June 2017 VA Form 9 substantive appeal was timely filed, and as a result, the underlying claims under the legacy system must be reinstated. The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the need for an opinion on the etiology of bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy related to in-service toxic exposure risk activities. The Veteran's service includes participation in military deployments where he was exposed to herbicides and burning waste.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy limits his ability to perform physical tasks required for sedentary employment.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right lower extremity neuropathies with restless leg syndrome as secondary to herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus. The claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities are remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right foot drop, neuropathy is denied. The Veteran's PTSD remains at a 70% rating from September 13, 2023.

A 30 percent rating for PTSD is granted from October 27, 2017 to January 29, 2019. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to March 6, 2019 and Dependents' Educational Assistance claim are denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 and related lower extremity neuropathies are granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.