Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, lower left and right extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a left eye condition due to herbicide exposure. The claims are being returned for further development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that regulation of activities due to diabetes has not been demonstrated, and the evidence did not support a higher rating for her diabetes. For her upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, the Board noted that while she reported burning pain and numbness in her hands, these symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to January 27, 2017 is denied as there was no pending claim at that time. The SMC at the housebound rate starting December 6, 2018 is granted due to a single service-connected disability rated at 100% and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. The Board found that the evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to his exposure to JP-4 jet fuel, Stoddard solvent, and other chemical degreasing agents in service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims, including those related to diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction, due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, including whether it is related to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities was denied. However, a 10 percent rating is granted effective January 21, 2020 for the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's initial rating claims for right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy have been denied. The claim for service connection of a prostate disorder is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 1, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy due to incomplete VA records and the need for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for various evaluations and effective dates related to peripheral neuropathy have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding which nerve or nerve group is causing the Veteran's abdominal pain, a residual of his in-service hernia repair.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in a previous VA examiner's opinion and potential bias. The Veteran’s bilateral upper extremity arthritis is being reviewed for service connection, along with carpal tunnel syndrome and right ulnar neuropathy/cubital tunnel syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities due to inadequate examination and reasoning.

The Veteran's NASH is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,A 40 percent rating for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted over the course of the appeal.,A 30 percent rating for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted over the course of the appeal.,A 40 percent rating for right lower extremity sciatica and a 40 percent rating for left lower extremity sciatica are granted over the course of the appeal.,Service connection for macular degeneration of the left eye, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, is remanded.,TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including an unspecified depressive disorder, right and left lower extremity idiopathic neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has denied claims for service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder (GERD), and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran's claim was not granted as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his claimed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's in-service exposure and obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between his conditions and service.