Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the increased ratings of PTSD, DJD lumbar spine, and left ulnar neuropathy back to March 1, 2018.

The appeals for service connection for a back condition, back tumor/meningioma, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were dismissed as the issues have already been granted in full.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, left and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a skin disability, to include lipomas, as the evidence did not support a causal or etiological relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both hands, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, major depressive disorder, and peripheral neuropathy, preclude him from substantial gainful employment.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of July 8, 2017, for the service connection of bilateral upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor. The remaining issues of service connection for right arm radiculopathy, erectile dysfunction, left foot neuropathy, and lumbosacral strain were dismissed due to untimely appeals.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, tinnitus, anemia, and a compensable disability rating for obstructive pulmonary disease. The claims for service connection of various other conditions were remanded.

The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder was dismissed, and the effective dates for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and related peripheral neuropathies were denied.

The Board granted a disability evaluation of 20 percent for the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy from December 9, 2019, to January 6, 2021.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine condition, including bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and right shoulder condition but denied earlier effective dates for the claims of entitlement to an earlier effective date for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity, sciatic nerve, and peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity, sciatic nerve.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder with alcohol use disorder prior to June 15, 2020, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. However, it granted ratings of 30 percent for left upper radicular peripheral neuropathy, 40 percent for right upper radicular peripheral neuropathy, 20 percent for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and 20 percent for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy.

The Board granted a higher disability rating of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as the evidence supported moderate incomplete paralysis affecting the sciatic nerves.

The Board granted increased ratings of 40 percent for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with sciatic radiculopathy, effective June 7, 2024.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type II, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as they were not incurred in or caused by the Veteran's military service.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a neck condition, left arm condition, and left hand condition as there is a need for additional evidence.

The Board granted service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to a service-connected low back disability, but denied service connection for left lower extremity neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and remanded the claims for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities due to a lack of evidence supporting a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected erectile dysfunction results in a diminishment of the ability of his creative organ to function, warranting special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k).