Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a lack of development and consideration of certain private treatment records, as well as VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence or information regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has found that the eligibility determination for the PCAFC was inadequate due to an insufficient medical opinion, and thus remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU, left upper extremity neuropathy, and right shoulder rotator cuff strain has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for left upper extremity neuropathy and right shoulder rotator cuff strain have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right shoulder rotator cuff strain has been dismissed.,A 20 percent rating is granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy.,A 20 percent rating is granted for left lower extremity radiculopathy.,The 40 percent rating for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was reduced to 20 percent, and the reduction has been restored.

The Board granted separate 20% disability ratings for moderate neuralgia of the left and right lower extremity popliteal nerves (LLE and RLE neuralgia) effective from December 4, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was denied. The current assigned rating of 40 percent is appropriate as the evidence does not show symptoms equivalent to severe incomplete paralysis, which would warrant a 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and assistance of another person due to service-connected disabilities has been established, allowing him to receive special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and various peripheral neuropathies have been granted increased ratings. Effective August 16, 2023, the Veteran is now eligible for a TDIU rating and DEA benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in him needing regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on loss of use of the left upper extremity is remanded due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disability is recognized, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC at the housebound rate was denied as he did not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling, and his TDIU based on PTSD with major depressive disorder alone is not sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his diagnosed conditions, including mental health disorders, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, arthritis, neuropathy, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and headaches. The examination will also address whether any of these conditions were caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar sensory neuropathy is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for both conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD), finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty at Fort McClellan. The Board also found support for secondary service connection for diabetic neuropathy of various extremities, peripheral vascular disease, and gastroparesis as secondary to DM.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates and increased ratings has been withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity conditions and PTSD, resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities such that he is entitled to specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and MDD, along with other physical conditions such as end stage renal disease, left eye blindness, and cognitive impairment, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted SMC at the rate provided by 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current conditions and active duty service. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for peroneal neuropathy, right lower extremity is denied.,The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for right thigh injury, limitation of extension and residuals status post right thigh laceration, limitation of flexion are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and other conditions, rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to July 21, 2025.