Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2025

The Board denied higher ratings for hypothyroidism and Parkinson's Disease residuals, but granted earlier effective dates for some service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, liver disability, and obstructive sleep apnea as there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy due to further development needed.

The Board granted an effective date of September 1, 2021, for service connection for the Veteran's thoracic spine, cervical spine, right foot, painful scar, status-post varicocele surgery, left lower abdomen, right knee, bilateral tinnitus, and right lower extremity neuropathy disabilities.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, as the evidence did not support a finding of current disability or a relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes and associated neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities are so severe that they prevent him from performing several activities of daily living without assistance, thus granting SMC based on a need for aid and attendance.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for polycythemia vera and peripheral neuropathy of all extremities as further evidence is needed to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents, dioxins, and other toxic substances.

The Board denied the claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities prior to certain dates, but granted a 30 percent rating for nephropathy from November 14, 2021.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, neuropathy of the right and left ankles (internal popliteal and saphenous nerves), and special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria, with an effective date of May 16, 2022. The claims for earlier effective dates were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for cause of the Veteran's death to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and associated peripheral neuropathy contributed substantially or materially to his death from cardiovascular disease.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for service connection to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy to obtain additional research and medical opinions regarding potential exposures.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left foot neuropathy, obstructive sleep apnea, and a mental health condition due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for neuropathy of both lower extremities and Paget's Disease due to a need for additional evidence.

The Board granted service connection for a right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain and increased the disability rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to 70 percent. The claims for major depression, anxiety condition, and other increased ratings were denied.

The Board remands the claims for further development and evidence gathering, including obtaining complete Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting a TDIU.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for multiple conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, COPD, gout, PTSD, OSA, and a thyroid condition.