Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate etiological opinions provided in previous examinations and opinions. The case is being returned to obtain addendum opinions addressing whether the peripheral neuropathy is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including lumbosacral strain and sciatic radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for joint pain, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, hypertension prior to August 10, 2022, and a bowel disorder due to inadequacies in the medical opinions provided.

The Veteran's right inguinal hernia, painful groin scar, and groin neuropathy have been granted increased ratings of 10%, 10%, and 10% respectively.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since June 20, 2018.

The Veteran's sinusitis claim is denied as it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 10, 2023 and was denied on and after that date.,Service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to the interrelated nature of these claims with the sinusitis claim.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, along with peripheral neuropathy and painful scars, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since August 1, 2024. The Board has granted entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU) from that date.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional examinations. The issues include prostate cancer, bladder bleeding with blood clots, heart disability, diabetes mellitus, neurological impairment of upper extremities, cervical spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The Board granted service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves, as well as female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) and special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ from July 17, 2023. The Veteran's attorney representative is eligible to receive direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits resulting from this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for traumatic right eye optic neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's diabetes, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, and chronic renal disease are part of a single disease process. The Board granted SMC at the housebound rate from April 21, 2023, based on his service-connected disabilities that are not part of the diabetic process.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and epidermal cysts on the basis of presumptive exposure to herbicide agents during active service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and assistance. However, the Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on housebound status due to the overlap between the conditions that qualify for both benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and related neuropathies was denied as there is no persuasive evidence of herbicide exposure during service.,Service connection for erectile disorder secondary to diabetes mellitus type II was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU and DEA were denied as there was no factual basis to grant earlier effective dates prior to July 25, 2022.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder peripheral neuropathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder dislocation with limited arm motion, and a rating of 30 percent for his peripheral vestibular disorder is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower and upper extremities peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's disabilities are related to his active service.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction is denied, but he is granted service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left sciatic nerves as secondary to his service-connected DMII.,The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are granted an initial 20 percent rating from August 29, 2025.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right upper extremity neuropathy, as secondary to a cervical spine condition. The AOJ is instructed to complete further development and readjudicate these claims in light of any additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left upper extremity ulnar nerve peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to burn pits during service. A new medical opinion is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed condition.