Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2024

The Veteran's TDIU claim was implicitly denied in the January 2010 and July 2011 rating decisions due to the relatedness of his diabetes and PTSD claims, which were part of the same appeal process. The effective date for any future TDIU determination would be fixed based on when an increase in disability is shown to have occurred.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD was denied. The appeals for service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy and TDIU were remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his neurological disabilities, particularly those related to exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for generalized polyneuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been denied as his symptoms do not more nearly approximate those warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for hypertension was granted in full, effectively dismissing the appeal.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities has been established.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities due to inadequate previous examinations and need for a retrospective opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating and service connection due to credibility issues with the Veteran's statements. Additional development is required, including a new examination to address the nature and severity of lumbosacral spine disability and peripheral neuropathy in each extremity, as well as toxic exposure risk activities during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and requests for additional information from private providers.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder and dismissed the appeal of service connection for toxic chemical exposure. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as well as bilateral hearing loss are granted. The case is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for bilateral peripheral neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding whether VA negligence or fault contributed to his condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his reported exposure to herbicide agents and the relationship between his current condition and service-connected COPD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's need for aid and attendance, loss of use of feet and/or lower extremities, and whether his service-connected disabilities alone caused these issues. Additional VA treatment records are needed, as well as an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for various peripheral neuropathy conditions and a kidney condition as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, while his claim for bilateral foot disability was denied.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve branch is rated at 40 percent, but no higher.,From May 26, 2015 to January 26, 2022, the Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve branch are rated at 40 percent, but no higher. From January 27, 2022, they are rated at 60 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II due to a lack of contemporaneous medical examinations and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted an initial 20 percent disability rating prior to June 14, 2022. A higher rating for the period from June 14, 2022, is denied. The Veteran's right eye corneal pannus abrasion with dry eye syndrome and punctate keratitis is granted a separate 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding its relation to herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling an examination for housebound status or permanent need for regular aid and attendance, and readjudicating the claims.