Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for additional SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p) at a rate higher than the standard (m) was denied due to his service-connected disabilities resulting in need for aid and attendance, which already qualified him for the maximum SMC rating.

The Veteran's left lower extremity neuropathy of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) is currently rated at 10 percent, but an increased rating to 20 percent is granted from July 7, 2022 to November 6, 2024. The issue of increasing his rating for left lower extremity neuropathy of the anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal) remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including heart disorder, GERD, liver disorder, and peripheral neuropathy. The decision also noted that the Veteran's sciatica was not incurred in service.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy in his right and left upper extremities associated with TERA participation is now rated at 40 percent, effective September 5, 2023.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity ulnar nerve neuropathy disabilities are now rated at 70% and 60%, respectively, for severe incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's right and left upper extremity median nerve radiculopathy disabilities are now rated at 50% and 40%, respectively, due to the cervical spine disability.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and the related neuropathies of the hands and legs. The Veteran's current diagnoses are attributed to his non-service-related diabetes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic kidney disease, sleep apnea, systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease), neuropathy, heart palpitations, COPD, and PTSD due to exposure to herbicide agents or other chemicals used to spray foliage during his service in Korea. The AOJ is instructed to make reasonable efforts to obtain community care treatment records, develop the Veteran's reported in-service stressor, and schedule a VA examination for COPD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities secondary to Type II diabetes mellitus, chronic migraines, and a back disability are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will consider whether there is sufficient evidence to establish service connection based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his left knee disorder has been dismissed as the claim was submitted more than one year after the November 2023 decision.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and a noncompensable disability rating for limitation of extension in the left knee have been dismissed due to lack of timely submission within one year following the November 2023 decision.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, femoral nerve, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve have been dismissed due to lack of timely submission within one year following the November 2023 decision.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of diabetes mellitus type II due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The claims for back disability, right foot neuropathy, and left foot neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and related lower and upper extremity neuropathies has been granted with an effective date of August 10, 2022. The earlier effective dates for the conditions are based on his July 30, 2019 claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed progressive muscular atrophy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis of the hands.

The Veteran's claim for SMC is granted, effective February 1, 2021. The decision is based on the combination of his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities that independently rate at least 60 percent.

The Board has granted initial disability ratings of 40 percent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the left and right lower extremities (sciatic nerve branches) effective April 8, 2019. Initial ratings of 30 percent have been granted for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the left and right lower extremities (femoral nerve branches).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right lower extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy with peripheral neuropathy has been dismissed as the Veteran's representative requested a withdrawal of the issue.

The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (AML) is dismissed. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) from July 6, 2015 is granted. An effective date of July 6, 2015, but no earlier, for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance based on permanent and total disability status is granted. A special monthly compensation (SMC) at the statutory housebound rate from July 6, 2015 is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 13, 2023 for service connection of right wrist condition and right ulnar neuropathy as these conditions were not shown to have been present before the receipt of his supplemental claim on that date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for dyslipidemia, left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, left upper extremity diabetic neuropathy, right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy, and major depressive disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's active-duty service.

The Veteran's bowel incontinence, bladder incontinence, and peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity (including foot drop and Morton's neuroma) have been granted SMC(l), SMC(o), and SMC(r)(1).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure by VA to obtain relevant private treatment records, including from Dr. K and Dr. N, which may be pertinent to the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits.