The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left hand has been denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to July 16, 2008, or for a rating in excess of 10 percent from July 16, 2008 to December 3, 2009, and it does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent since December 3, 2009.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that prior to July 16, 2008, the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy did not result in any more than mild incomplete paralysis. From July 16, 2008 to December 3, 2009, it resulted in numbness and tingling but no other symptoms consistent with moderate or severe incomplete paralysis. Since December 3, 2009, the evidence shows only complaints of numbness, tingling, and burning pain without more significant impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy of the left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2011
- Citation
- 1114925
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1114925.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a heart disability, MGUS, asymptomatic multiple myeloma, smoldering multiple myeloma, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral hands, forearms, lower legs, and feet based on toxic exposure risk activities during active service.
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's left hand peripheral neuropathy and 30 percent for his right hand peripheral neuropathy, effective February 9, 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD, peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents or as secondary to service-connected disability. The VA is required to obtain a records-based examination to address whether the Veteran's COPD was caused by his service-connected CAD or diabetes mellitus, and whether he had diabetic peripheral neuropathy during the claim period prior to his death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address the range of motion and functional impairment of his left hand, as well as a new opinion regarding his peripheral neuropathy.,The Veteran's disability ratings are denied due to lack of evidence supporting higher evaluations under applicable diagnostic codes.
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