Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the claims for left and right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy (radial nerve) and left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected disabilities without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes was dismissed as the benefit has been previously granted.,Service connection for BLE peripheral neuropathy secondary to service-connected diabetes on a causation basis is now granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC enrollment. The appeal is being returned for further review and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities was denied.

The Veteran's CIDP of the right lower extremity (CIDP of the right sciatic nerve) and CIDP of the left lower extremity (CIDP of the left sciatic nerve) are granted with increased disability ratings. The remaining issues on appeal remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board is requesting additional examinations and medical opinions to determine if his back condition and acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board has denied service connection for a right hip condition and a right ankle condition, but has remanded the issue of service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's left upper extremity diabetic neuropathy, right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction are complications of his diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board grants earlier effective dates for these conditions starting from July 18, 2024.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for an effective date prior to April 26, 2022, for entitlement to TDIU and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 due to a lack of evidence showing that the Veteran was unable to work due to service-connected disabilities before this date.

The Veteran's SMC is denied as he does not have a separate and distinct disability rated at 50 percent or more, which would be required for the intermediate step of SMC(p).

The Board dismissed the claims for earlier effective dates for the awards of 20% disability ratings for diabetic neuropathy and denied the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for CAD. The Veteran's CAD is now rated at 10%.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, right upper extremity PN, left upper extremity PN, neck disability, and back disability have all been denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for neck disability has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for partial pneumonectomy and bilateral optic neuropathy have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by a service-connected back disability.

The claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, left ankle disability (secondary to service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities), bilateral hip disability (secondary to service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities), heart disability, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder have been dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation due to the need of regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of cervical spine disability and left hip disability. Migraine headaches are secondary to service-connected Meniere's disease.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide agent exposure, but denied service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy (diagnosed as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome) based on the lack of evidence showing a nexus between the condition and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted TDIU based on these conditions.