Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left foot peripheral polyneuropathy is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining authorization and requesting non-VA treatment records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes) is granted on a facts-found basis due to herbicide agent exposure during service.,The Veteran's hypertension is granted on a facts-found basis as it was caused by herbicide agent exposure during service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran was diagnosed with this condition during his appeal period and that it is proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a rash was denied, and his claims for migraine headaches, CFS, fibromyalgia, neurological disability, left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, and left wrist disability were remanded.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches. The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of migraine headaches was related to his in-service surgical repair of his nasal septum.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for colon cancer and related lower extremity neuropathy due to inextricably intertwined issues. Additional medical opinions are needed regarding the relationship between toxic exposures and the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is found to be the proximate cause of his diagnosed acute adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities is denied due to lack of current evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including CAD status post MI and PCI with stent placement, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, left shoulder strain, and right shoulder strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on needing aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of special monthly compensation (SMC) is denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC at the rate specified under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r). The Veteran was previously granted SMC based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and petit mal seizures are currently rated at the maximum available disability ratings. The Board has granted earlier effective dates for service connection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity, right lower extremity, and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to noise during military service is likely related to his current condition. Service connection was denied for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities due to lack of evidence showing onset within one year post-service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes type II prior to March 6, 2023. The claims for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are remanded due to a lack of an opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes, right and left lower extremity neuropathy, and prostate cancer have been dismissed.,Higher ratings were granted for upper extremity neuropathies but the Veteran withdrew his claims for higher ratings of diabetes and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and left leg nerve disorders, as well as his skin cancer and respiratory disorder (asthma), are related to service. However, due to inadequate medical opinions regarding continuity of symptoms since service, the case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus type II, and unspecified depressive disorder. The right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy appeal was dismissed due to a reduction from 10% to 0%. Other claims were addressed but not decided.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA examination addressing the appellant's loss of use of his bilateral lower extremities for purposes of SMC.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with prior remand instructions regarding the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and its impact on his ability to work. The matter is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability results in painful motion, but does not include ankylosis or its functional equivalent. The Board has remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including issuing a Statement of the Case (SOC) and allowing the Veteran to opt-in to the AMA system if desired.