Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2025

The Board denied earlier effective dates, higher ratings for PTSD and CAD, a rating for RLE PN, TDIU, and DEA eligibility.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a chronic liver disorder, diabetes mellitus, type II, left foot toe amputation, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction to obtain additional medical evidence regarding the Veteran's qualifications as examiners.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed as the issue is now moot due to a full grant of benefits.

The Board granted an initial evaluation of 40 percent for left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve diabetic peripheral neuropathy, finding the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated moderately severe incomplete paralysis.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in all extremities due to a need for additional medical evidence and examination.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and its secondary conditions including bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertension (HTN).

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to a separate rating for neuropathy of the left and right feet, as part of service-connected Achilles tendonitis, for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to March 8, 2019 for extraschedular consideration.

The Board granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities effective March 29, 2022. The claim for a back condition was remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy in the left, right lower extremity, and right upper extremity to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied service connection for obesity, hypertension, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and prostate cancer. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for left forearm cubital tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy to obtain a new medical opinion that addresses the Veteran's lay statements and in-service notation of a left wrist scar.

The Veteran was not in receipt of a totally disabling service-connected disability for the required period, and therefore, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for cervical spine disability, right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and migraine headaches. The appeal as to OSA was granted in full.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding no legal basis to assign an effective date earlier than February 4, 2020.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for service connection of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy in the bilateral feet and upper extremities, based on new and material evidence received within one year of a prior denial.

The Board denied the surviving spouse's claim for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation because the Veteran was not rated totally disabled for the required periods under 38 U.S.C. § 1318, with a peak combined disability rating of 80 percent. The Board remanded three issues: entitlement to survivor's pension benefits, entitlement to TDIU based on a pending March 2020 Supplemental Claim, and entitlement to service connection for cause of death, requiring a new VA medical opinion addressing the interplay between the Veteran's ischemic heart disease, hypertension, COPD, and herbicide exposure under PACT Act provisions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded several issues, including service connection for hypertension.