The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of his right and left lower extremities, finding that the evidence does not support ratings in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows moderate incomplete paralysis of both lower extremities, which corresponds to a 20% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 8521. The veteran's assertions for higher evaluations are not supported by the clinical findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy of right lower extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 1, 2006
- Citation
- 0605864
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is remanded to obtain a TERA memorandum and medical opinions addressing the Veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, renal failure, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, in relation to his service and exposure to toxic substances.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation on account of the loss of use of both lower extremities, finding that his peripheral neuropathy did not meet the criteria for such a benefit.
- Partly granted
The Board denied higher initial ratings for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and denied service connection for left knee, right knee, left foot, and right foot arthritis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.