The Veteran's lower extremity neurological condition is not found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected back disability. His bilateral knee disabilities are adequately rated under the schedular criteria, and he does not meet the requirements for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lower extremity neurological condition is attributed to idiopathic peripheral neuropathy rather than his service-connected back disability. His bilateral knee disabilities are rated under the appropriate schedular criteria, and he does not meet the requirements for extraschedular consideration or special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.
- Claimed conditions
- neuropathy, lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1720446
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 1720446.
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 Veteran's claim for SMC based on loss of use of both lower extremities is being remanded due to a failure to obtain relevant private medical records. The AOJ will consider these records when readjudicating the claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the eligibility determination for the PCAFC was inadequate due to an insufficient medical opinion, and thus remanded for further review.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including SSA disability records. The AOJ will consider the recent grants of service connection in conjunction with the TDIU application.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for neuropathy, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and gastrointestinal condition including colon polyps and diverticulitis as there is no persuasive evidence of a current disability or its onset during active duty.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.