Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted a 40% rating. Ratings of 20% were granted for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities prior to March 31, 2016 and for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremity (radial nerves) prior to September 8, 2020.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the aggravation prong of secondary service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has granted an effective date earlier than May 12, 2016 for the award of a TDIU based on evidence showing that the Veteran was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, including as due to herbicide agents exposure, because no VA examiner has provided an opinion regarding the etiology of the condition. The Veteran and his spouse testified that he began experiencing symptoms in 1975, which they believe are related to peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Korea is presumed, and his peripheral neuropathy and diabetes mellitus are being reviewed again.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of service connection for lower back pain, right forearm condition, right shoulder condition, and greater than 10 percent evaluation for right ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right foot and left foot disabilities, including hammer toes, hallux valgus, onychomycosis, peripheral neuropathy, and arthritis. The Veteran's bilateral feet conditions are being reviewed to determine if they are related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs, including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person.,The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence of a need for aid and attendance that meet some of the required criteria and not all must be met to warrant the benefit. The Veteran's spouse also requires aid and attendance due to her disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was caused by VA treatment for acute bronchitis, specifically the Avelox medication prescribed in March 2013. The event (neuropathy) was not reasonably foreseeable and is considered a direct result of the medical treatment provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to herbicide agents in service. The issues include bilateral glaucoma, back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, hypertension, and a stroke.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for ulnar neuropathy, residuals of left arm injury, as it is not factually ascertainable that the increase in disability occurred before February 26, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for Parkinson's disease and bilateral peripheral neuropathy due to service connection issues, including a need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to new evidence added to the record.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. Service connection for hepatitis C, left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for type I diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy due to procedural issues, inadequate opinions regarding etiology, and the need for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's death was caused by end-stage liver disease due to hepatitis C and alcohol use. Service connection for the cause of death is denied as there is no evidence linking his hepatitis C or other service-connected conditions to his death.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and the rating for right leg radiculopathy prior to February 8, 2016 is granted at 10 percent. The ratings for right leg radiculopathy from February 8, 2016; left leg radiculopathy prior to October 14, 2016 and from October 14, 2016 to January 10, 2017 are all denied. The ratings for right leg peripheral neuropathy, left leg radiculopathy after January 11, 2017, and left leg peripheral neuropathy after January 11, 2017 are also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension. The conditions are found to be due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for a skin disability, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus and/or herbicide agent exposure, and TDIU. Additional development is needed to obtain SSA records and private medical records.