Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for service connection of colon cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, residuals of a hysterectomy, and diabetic neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities. The claims are remanded for further action on TDIU and SMC.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral blepharitis and corneal pannus, eczema, tinnitus, OSA, diabetes, left foot diabetic neuropathy, right foot diabetic neuropathy, migraine headaches, and hypertension was granted as of March 29, 2022. The effective date is set to the date of claim due to the Veteran's intent to file a claim prior to this date.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 19, 2019 for the award of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The RO must now assign initial disability ratings for diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease), erectile dysfunction, and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities from August 19, 2019 to August 9, 2022. Effective dates prior to August 10, 2022, for service connection for these conditions are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to conflicting evidence regarding the preexisting status of the Veteran's bilateral foot conditions. Additional remand is required for new VA opinions.

The Veteran's DMII and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have not required regulation of activities or hospitalizations for ketoacidosis, thus a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a combined 100 percent evaluation and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. The Veteran was already in receipt of the earliest possible effective date allowed under law for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings due to inadequate VA examinations and potential overlap of symptomatology.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including depression, mental health disorder, TBI, alopecia, headaches, TMJ disorder, insomnia, OSA, conjunctivitis, dry eye disorder, glaucoma, PFB, rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated septum, neck disorder, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, right elbow disorder, left elbow disorder, asthma, hyperthyroid disorder, hives, anemia, DM (diabetes mellitus), heart disorder, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), kidney stones, hiatal hernia, hemorrhoids, right hip/thigh disorder, left hip/thigh disorder, varicose veins, heel spurs, pes planus, bunions, RUE neuropathy, LUE neuropathy, right hand disorder, left hand disorder, back disorder, RLE neuropathy, LLE neuropathy, HTN (hypertension), GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), bladder disorder, ED (erectile dysfunction), prostate disorder, and gout.

The Veteran's initial ratings for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were denied, with separate 20 percent ratings assigned effective January 5, 2024.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as his right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted at a 20 percent rating effective June 11, 2010. The Veteran also received an award of TDIU.

The Board has remanded most of the Veteran's claims due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need to obtain additional medical records before readjudicating these cases.

The Veteran's appeal concerning various conditions was dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, CLL, NHL, Crohn's disease, Type II diabetes mellitus, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple nerve injuries, make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, right bundle branch block, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy. The claim of service connection for tremors (claimed as Parkinsonism/Parkinson-like symptoms) is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for further verification of his in-service exposure and medical records. The TDIU claim is also deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Veteran's ratings for unspecified depressive symptoms and posttraumatic right upper radial neuropathy were restored to their original levels effective November 1, 2019.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities has been granted an increased rating to 40 percent effective May 20, 2022.

The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2, thus service connection is granted on a secondary basis.