Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has remanded several service connection claims for hypothyroidism, kidney disability, prostate disability, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity. The claims are being remanded to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error by confirming whether the Veteran was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base during the spraying of herbicide agents.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and right foot drop have been granted initial ratings, with a maximum rating of 30 percent for each condition. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetic neuropathy was dismissed as the Appellant indicated she wanted to withdraw her appeal. The other issues on appeal are being remanded due to new evidence and previous instructions.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 30 percent, and his TDIU is granted effective October 27, 2010. The Board found that the combination of service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since then.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathies, to include as secondary to his service-connected thoracic spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on mild incomplete paralysis.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence regarding the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected conditions on his employability. The Veteran is currently service connected for PTSD, right hip injuries, diabetes mellitus, type II, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand. The PACT Act provides a presumption of exposure for veterans who served in Thailand during the specified period.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities results in a loss of use of one or both feet, meeting the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for evaluations of his left and right lower extremity idiopathic peripheral polyneuropathy due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and tinnitus have been granted.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, sinus disorder, right shoulder disorder (to include as secondary to bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy), and bilateral hearing loss claims are remanded.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities has been granted, resulting in special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, continuity of symptomatology is not established, and are not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's ischemic heart disease was not secondary to a service-connected disability, was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, continuity of symptomatology is not established, and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran has had chloracne at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran has had bilateral tinea pedis at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that a right cheek laceration scar began during active service, or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The cerebrovascular accident is not secondary to a service-connected disability and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is not secondary to a service-connected disability and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is not secondary to a service-connected disability and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is not secondary to a service-connected disability and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is not secondary to a service-connected disability and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The bilateral hearing loss was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, continuity of symptomatology is not established, and is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities was granted with an effective date of April 22, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ulnar neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for a new examination.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy due to in-service herbicide agent exposure.,Service connection is remanded for heart impairment and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral feet gouty arthritis prior to February 28, 2022, has been denied.

The Board denied service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding no evidence of chronic conditions in service or within the applicable presumptive period.,Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. The Board found no credible evidence linking these disorders to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for verification of herbicide agent exposure and further medical examination.