The Board has granted an initial 20 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, effective from September 23, 2002. The Veteran's radiculopathy is rated under DC 8521 (neuritis) combined with DC 5243 (lumbosacral strain), resulting in a total rating of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence established that the Veteran had symptoms consistent with mild neuritis, which warranted a 20 percent evaluation under DC 8521. The Board found reasonable doubt in favor of granting an increased evaluation to 20 percent throughout the pendency of the appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 30, 2011
- Citation
- 1143875
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 1143875.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted separate 20% disability ratings for moderate neuralgia of the left and right lower extremity popliteal nerves (LLE and RLE neuralgia) effective from December 4, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC enrollment. The appeal is being returned for further review and consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy and neck disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 3, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran is in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to his inability to perform ADL tasks such as bathing and dressing, primarily caused by upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The PCAFC eligibility determination is remanded for further review based on the best interest of the Veteran and evaluation of remaining eligibility criteria.
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