Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were received within one year of the PACT Act's effective date (August 10, 2022), allowing an effective date of August 10, 2022.,The grants of service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, right lower extremity, and erectile dysfunction were granted on a secondary basis to diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, respectively. As such, they have an effective date of August 10, 2022.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.,However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of being housebound as he does not have a single disability rated 100% disabling with other service-connected independently ratable at 60%, or be permanently housebound by reason of service-connected disability or disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted effective February 23, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and right hip pain, are found to render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations and medical opinions regarding potential exposure to toxic substances during his military service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board dismissed this appeal as per the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected chronic lumbar strain.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Veteran's claims for hypercholesterolemia and multiple myeloma have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,For the remaining conditions, the Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal and neurological disorders due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination by a neurologist. The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, to include CIDP and carpal tunnel syndrome, is being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain private treatment records and to address when the Veteran's symptoms of bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy first manifested.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not cause the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A). The Board finds that SMC is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities on a direct basis due to exposure to Agent Orange during active service.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of various diabetic peripheral neuropathies and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran did not file a claim until July 18, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to toxic exposure, including PACT Act and Camp Lejeune exposures. The Veteran's in-service toxic exposure is not conceded but raised by his testimony and historical records. Further development is needed to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding toxic exposure.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims for further development, including those for pes planus, left wrist cyst disability, gastrointestinal disability (separate from chronic constipation), cardiovascular disability, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), fatigue disability, headache disability, left knee disability, back disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and right wrist disability. The gastrointestinal claim was expanded to include any gastrointestinal disability separate from the already service-connected chronic constipation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and compensation for right eye disability, including under 38 USC § 1151 and as due to a toxic exposure related activity (TERA), is being remanded due to the receipt of new and relevant evidence. The AOJ must obtain all outstanding VA and private treatment records, prepare a TERA memorandum and ILER report, and provide a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed right eye disability.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities was denied as his condition is consistent with a 40 percent rating for his right upper extremity and a 30 percent rating for his left upper extremity, both effective June 2, 2020.