Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is granted at a 70 percent evaluation, effective November 17, 2022. The rating for chronic kidney disease remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's appeal seeking an effective date prior to April 3, 2018 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35; a compensable rating for service-connected dry eye syndrome; and readjudication of previously denied claims of service connection for neck muscle spasms, neuropathy (claimed as deep-seated itch in the neck, shoulders, and arms), left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and spondylosis of the cervical spine, with submission of new and relevant evidence, is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, Type II and related peripheral neuropathies as well as erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease due to in-service exposure to toxic substances. The AOJ is required to verify whether the USS Suribachi was a brown water ship known to transport Agent Orange and obtain a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection and special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of the left hand due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy.,The Board also denied service connection and SMC for loss of use of the right hand due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for financial assistance for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of his service-connected disabilities, particularly those related to diabetes and neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cerebrovascular metabolic disease, neurobehavioral disability (including headaches and dizziness), peripheral neuropathy, and kidney disability due to potential service connection based on exposure at Camp Lejeune. The AOJ is required to obtain medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring clarification on whether the Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is early-onset and if it is related to Agent Orange exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes, GERD, left shoulder disability, lower back disability, OSA, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected digestive system conditions rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from another person, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent, dermatitis as of December 4, 2024 was granted a 10 percent evaluation, and kidney stones were denied. Service connection for allergic rhinitis and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy were also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical stenosis with intervertebral disc syndrome and facet arthropathy. The claims of entitlement to service connection for right foot pain, right hip condition, right knee condition, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's sciatic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is rated at 40 percent since January 14, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder disability, radial sensory neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and DVT (deep vein thrombosis) of the left shoulder are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the effects of medication.

The Veteran's service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's PTSD, DMII, left upper DPN, right upper DPN, left lower DPN, and right lower DPN are all denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

An effective date of March 6, 2018, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted.,The appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left lower extremity polyneuropathy, finding that the conditions were caused by JP-4 fuel exposure during service.

The reduction of the Veteran's bilateral pes planus rating from 30% to 10% was improper, and the 30% rating is restored. The claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the big toe bilaterally, an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety), erectile dysfunction, and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, COPD, migraines, a back disability, right and left upper extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, signet ring gastric carcinoma status post gastrectomy/cholecystectomy, and fibromyalgia have been dismissed. The claim for signet ring gastric carcinoma status post gastrectomy/cholecystectomy is remanded due to a need for updated toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) memo and VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy, coronary artery disease, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity early-onset peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange during service, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service.