Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2026

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left foot fifth toe gangrene residuals is denied, and he was granted a maximum schedular rating of 20 percent for his left foot peripheral neuropathy from September 24, 2018 to February 9, 2023.

The Board has denied service connection for RLE and LLE peripheral neuropathy, right hand pain, and left hand pain as secondary to service-connected irritant contact dermatitis. The Veteran's symptoms have not been confirmed by medical examination or evidence.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of April 8, 2022 for the awards of service connection for peripheral neuropathy and vesicovaginal fistula, as well as SMC based on loss of use of both lower extremities above the knee.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, sciatic nerve with restless leg syndrome. The Board finds that no earlier effective dates are warranted.,The Veteran also seeks TDIU prior to July 28, 2016. The Board finds that further clarification is necessary regarding the Veteran's employment history.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, hypertension, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as the September 2009 denial became final and there is no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities within one year prior to August 28, 2025.

The Veteran's appeal for higher evaluations and service connection for various conditions, including lung cancer presumed due to exposure in Thailand under the PACT Act, was granted. Effective dates were assigned for service connection and other claims.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and related conditions have been granted initial disability ratings, effective December 9, 2014. The appeal for earlier effective dates is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with effective dates of January 31, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and its complications, including valvular heart disease, diabetic nephropathy, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, and erectile dysfunction, are granted effective October 11, 2011.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathies have been granted a 20 percent rating from August 31, 2025.,The Veteran's right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathies have been granted a 30 percent and 40 percent rating respectively from August 31, 2025.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities (femoral nerve) was denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for agent fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the November 2020 rating decision is denied as there was no valid fee agreement applicable to this award.

The Board has remanded the claims for liver disorders, gastric varices, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, and tinnitus due to a lack of current disability evidence. The Veteran's service participation in TERA is recognized.

The Board has restored the separate disability ratings for right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, effective August 10, 2022.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.,The Board finds that a new VA examination is required for the neck condition, upper extremity PN, lower extremity PN, and left ear hearing loss claims due to the passage of time since their last examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to a lack of an opinion on whether asbestos exposure likely caused these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome and upper extremity neurological disabilities, as well as knee disabilities, all claimed as the result of herbicide agent exposure. The diagnoses were not shown to have originated during active service or due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), peripheral neuropathy of the right hand, foot, and leg due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. Additional development is needed to determine specific locations where the Veteran served during his time in Korea.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD are granted as service-connected. The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination.