Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, a heart condition as secondary to hypertension, and lower extremity vascular disability as secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2. The claims for peripheral neuropathy in all four extremities and amputation of toes were also granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2. However, the claims for a neck condition, COPD, gall bladder removal, and chronic kidney disease were denied.

The Veteran's earlier effective date for TIA residuals was granted, while the claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and SMC were denied. Service connection for diabetes mellitus was also granted.

The Board denied service connection for right and left ulnar neuropathy, finding that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between these conditions and either in-service injury or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity other than hemiparesis, as there is no evidence of a current disability apart from the Veteran's service-connected hemiparesis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 15, 2023.

The Board remands the issues of increased evaluations for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity sciatic and femoral peripheral neuropathy to obtain medical records constructively in VA's possession.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and upper extremity neuropathy disabilities as there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between the claimed conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Board granted readjudication of the claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, but denied service connection for DMII, hypertension, prostate cancer, sleep apnea, impotence, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral claudication/superficial femoral artery disease.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including clarification of the notice of disagreement submitted after the Veteran's death and addressing the Veteran's statements regarding his service in or near the DMZ.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to August 28, 2023, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding that the earliest possible effective date was September 9, 2022.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus was granted, while the appeals for diabetes mellitus type II and lower extremity diabetic neuropathy were withdrawn. The claim for a low back disorder is remanded due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for right and left upper extremity and right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, to include as due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for a left wrist disability was remanded.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's right small finger fracture and right optic neuropathy, but granted an effective date of August 20, 2021, for a 20 percent disability rating for painful right shoulder scars.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date than July 3, 2019, for awards of service connection for neuropathy in each lower extremity as a matter of law.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including a lumbar spine disorder and various peripheral neuropathies, as the probative evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to exposure to herbicide agents, finding that the evidence supports a relationship between the Veteran's in-service exposure and his current condition.

The Board granted service connection for right sacroiliitis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease, as well as earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy and denied an earlier effective date for PTSD, while granting ratings of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus during certain periods.

The Board remands the service connection claims for coronary artery disease, bladder tumor, and peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities to correct duty to assist errors related to toxic exposure risk activities during active service.