The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated at the initial 20 percent level since December 17, 2002. The Board has granted a higher rating of 40 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity as of April 20, 2015.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity manifested as no more than moderate incomplete paralysis prior to April 20, 2015. Since that date, it has manifested as moderately-severe incomplete paralysis, warranting a higher rating of 40 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Status post medial meniscectomy of the left knee with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 22, 2015
- Citation
- 1553419
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 1553419.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine and right hip disabilities due to a duty to assist error. The effective date for DEA benefits is granted as May 1, 2014.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and higher initial rating for his back disability is denied. The effective date remains March 29, 2021, as the earliest date of claim. An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the back disability from March 29, 2021, is also denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability and right leg radiculopathy are granted service connection, but left leg radiculopathy is denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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