Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective dates for service connection of various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy, was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus could not be granted presumptive service connection under the PACT Act.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction was also denied as there is no evidence to support a direct or secondary link between the condition and service.

The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is related to his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neurological disability of the right upper extremity, including carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy, began during active service and is at least as likely as not related to military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes and its associated diabetic peripheral neuropathy in all four extremities. The decision is based on the Veteran's history of facial trauma leading to bruxism, which resulted in poor dental health and uncontrolled diabetes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for VR&E services due to his meeting the threshold requirements for entitlement but not having an employment handicap, as determined by a VA counseling psychologist (CP) or VRC.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in June 2024.

The Veteran's service-connected right below the knee amputation, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this need.

The Board has granted service connection for left upper extremity, left lower extremity, right upper extremity, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Veteran's hypothyroidism is not rated as there are no compensable symptoms.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as presumptively due to herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act. Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disorder and left elbow disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA will need to obtain updated medical opinions that consider the Veteran's lay statements about his symptoms.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration.

The Board dismissed the appeal to establish service connection for neuropathy in the right lower extremity as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for neuropathy in both lower extremities and left shin splints, as well as the claim for tinnitus. The Veteran is now service connected for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy involving the sciatic and femoral nerves.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are all granted based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to his need for supervision, protection, or instruction based on diagnosed conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and dizziness. The appeal is remanded to consider eligibility for PCAFC benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of cervical spine disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, lumbar disorder, and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart condition, peripheral neuropathy, thyroid condition, bladder condition, and diabetic condition due to potential service connection based on in-service Agent Orange exposure. The VA will obtain private treatment records and schedule a new VA examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral lower extremity condition (claimed as peripheral neuropathy in the feet and toes) as secondary to her service-connected chilblains should be remanded due to a lack of a recent VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus II, right lower extremity neuropathy, left upper and right upper extremity radiculopathy on a secondary basis to the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board denied the appellant's eligibility for direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a September 2022 Rating Decision, as the decision was not an appeal of a prior decision but rather an initial claim.