Citation Nr: 21075843
Decision Date: 12/21/21	Archive Date: 12/21/21

DOCKET NO. 17-58 063
DATE: December 21, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Army from July 1966 to April 1968.

1. Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity is remanded.

2. Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity is remanded.

3. Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity is remanded.

Remand is necessary to afford the Veteran a VA examination. His claims were denied in an April 2017 rating decision because the AOJ found that the record did not show that the Veteran had peripheral neuropathies of his bilateral upper extremities or right lower extremity in the record, including at the April 2017 VA examination. 

However, since that rating decision, the record shows evidence of a current diagnosis.  Specifically, a May 2017 VA treatment record shows the Veteran had tingling in his toes and hands.  Additionally, the Veteran submitted an October 2017 treatment record showing peripheral neuropathy of both feet. However, it is unclear which nerve in the right foot may be impacted.  Therefore, the Board finds that remand is necessary for a VA examination prior to adjudication. 

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain and associate all outstanding, relevant treatment records with the claims file.

2. Afford the Veteran a VA examination with an appropriate clinician.  The examiner must review the claims file and provide all diagnoses of peripheral neuropathies, including as secondary to the Veteran's diabetes. All neurological symptoms must be reported. 

The examiner must provide an opinion as to whether it is as least as likely as not that the Veteran has peripheral neuropathies of the bilateral upper extremities and/or the right lower extremity as a result of service or secondary to his service-connected diabetes.  A complete and reasoned rationale must be provided for all opinions regarding service connection.  

3. After the above development, and any additionally indicated development, has been completed, readjudicate the issues on appeal. If the benefits sought are not granted to the Veteran's satisfaction, send the Veteran a Supplemental Statement of the Case and provide an opportunity to respond. If necessary, return the case to the Board for further appellate review.

 

Emily Tamlyn

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Shana Z. Siesser, Counsel

The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.