The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for heel numbness, also claimed as peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's exposure to chemical and biological agents during service is considered, and it is concluded that his current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy is more likely related to exposure to these agents than to other factors.
The deciding factor: The VA neurologist concluded that the Veteran's foot pain and numbness are likely of 'mixed etiology,' which cannot rule out the possibility of symptoms resulting from exposure to agents used at Dugway Proving Ground, which have been shown to cause delayed neuropathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 26, 2017
- Citation
- 1742489
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 1742489.
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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