Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy disabilities have rendered him unemployable due to their significant functional effects on his ability to perform necessary work tasks.

The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity polyneuropathy and right lower extremity polyneuropathy, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service herbicide exposure from Thailand.

The Veteran withdrew all pending appeals, including those for increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Board has granted service connection for left Boutonniere deformity, left elbow post-traumatic pain and medial epicondylitis, left upper extremity neuropathy, and left knee strain. The case is remanded for a VA examination to address the ameliorative effects of medication on the Veteran's left shoulder condition.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities is granted as service connected due to toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune. The costochondritis, central retinal vein occlusion with macular edema, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is denied due to lack of in-service onset or link to service.,Service connection for thyroid condition is denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and restless leg syndrome due to inadequate medical opinions in prior VA examinations. The claims are being returned for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is granted, effective June 14, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied as the earliest available effective date is August 2, 2023.,Claims for increased ratings and TDIU were also addressed but are not relevant to this decision.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, right upper extremity, and left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) have been rated at 30%, 40%, and 20% respectively.,TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including DJD of the lumbar spine, right shoulder, bilateral sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and peripheral neuropathy, combined, prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education, skills, training, and work history. Effective December 7, 2022, he is granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy due to a lack of medical opinion regarding the etiology and aggravation of his conditions. The VA must provide a new examination and obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his active duty service, diabetes mellitus, or secondary to his pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of August 21, 2020. The rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder was increased to 70 percent from December 30, 2020.,An earlier effective date of July 13, 2020, but no earlier, was granted for TDIU and DEA under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and initial compensable ratings have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities) contributed substantially or materially to his death from a fatal fall. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Education Assistance has also been established.

The Veteran's RUE and LUE neuropathy are granted with ratings of 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively.

The Board has determined that the decision on appeal was not legally adequate and requires remand for correction. The matter is being remanded to obtain a medical opinion from the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) regarding personal care services needs, supervision requirements, and need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which daily life would be seriously impaired.

The Board has granted service connection for idiopathic neuropathy and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's conditions are linked to his active-duty service.