The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and adaptive equipment were denied. The Board found that the current disability ratings adequately reflected his service-connected conditions, but granted separate ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.
The deciding factor: The criteria for higher ratings under the schedular criteria were not met as there was no evidence showing additional functional impairment beyond what is already contemplated by the existing 30 percent rating. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was found to be secondary to his cold injuries, but separate ratings were granted due to the distinct symptoms and findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Cold injury residuals of the right foot, Cold injury residuals of the left foot, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity associated with cold injuries, Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity associated with cold injuries
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2017
- Citation
- 1748309
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 1748309.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased evaluations for cold injury residuals of the fingers and feet, granted a 30 percent evaluation for cold injury residuals of the left foot, and denied an increased evaluation for PTSD.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and bilateral foot conditions, rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 17, 2023. The Board granted TDIU based on these disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected cold injury disabilities to his hands and feet are currently rated at 20 percent each, but the Board finds no higher rating is warranted based on the evidence of record.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of cold injury to the feet and hands have been denied as there is no evidence showing an increase in disability within one year prior to his November 5, 2014 application date.
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