Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a spider bite from January 13, 2004, are now considered to include neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities. The effective date for this is set at January 13, 2004.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, and various types of neuropathy due to a lack of evidence supporting exposure to herbicide agents or toxic chemicals during the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic kidney disease and multiple neuropathies, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since June 27, 2023.

The Board has vacated its August 2024 decision and dismissed the appeals on ten issues due to procedural errors, including incorrect substitution of the appellant as a valid claimant.

The Veteran's right hip disorder was initially rated at 10 percent prior to December 21, 2015 and increased to 50 percent from February 1, 2017. The initial evaluations for the right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied until January 4, 2021 when they were granted with a minimum evaluation of 20 percent.,The Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was initially denied and then granted with a minimum evaluation of 20 percent on or after January 4, 2021.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current polyneuropathy had its inception during active duty, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar strain, left upper extremity neuropathy (ulnar nerve), and right upper extremity neuropathy (ulnar nerve) was denied. However, the Veteran received an initial rating of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve).

The Board has remanded the cases due to errors in obtaining necessary medical examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's HIV-related illness and peripheral neuropathy. The AOJ must obtain these examinations and opinions.

The Board denied service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) due to a lack of evidence showing the condition was incurred in or caused by active service.,Service connection for musculoskeletal left and right foot conditions is also denied as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected Parkinson's disease and related bilateral upper and lower extremity disabilities have been found to result in the functional loss of use of both hands and feet, warranting a 100% rating under DCs 5109 and 5110. Additionally, he is entitled to SMC at rates based on anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands and feet.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy, or both are associated with his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted.,Effective May 31, 2017, the Veteran is now entitled to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 5, 2024, for service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II associated with herbicide exposure and bilateral upper and lower extremity clinical peripheral neuropathy due to lack of a prior claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for sciatic radiculopathy and various peripheral neuropathy disabilities have been granted with effective dates set at October 22, 2021. The Veteran also received a combined 100 percent disability rating, qualifying him for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to obstructive sleep apnea, left foot diabetic ulcer, and bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's obesity due to his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of the shoulders, right shoulder rotator cuff surgery, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic neuropathy, tinnitus, and high blood pressure. The appeals were all dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his vision impairment and physical conditions such as neuropathy and back pain, necessitate regular aid and attendance. The Board granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left foot and heel pain, along with peripheral neuropathy, are now rated at 30 percent each.,Posterior and lateral left heel scars do not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on various service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of these cases.