The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, right knee disorder, and higher ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities affecting both the sciatic and femoral nerves are being remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding his diagnoses and etiology. Effective dates prior to November 16, 2012, for the assignment of 20 percent ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities affecting the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve are also being remanded.
The deciding factor: The conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis based on DSM-IV or DSM-5, as well as the lack of a VA examination to determine the likely etiology of his right knee disorder, necessitates further evaluation and clarification.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Right Knee Disorder, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity affecting the Sciatic Nerve, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity affecting the Sciatic Nerve, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity affecting the Femoral Nerve, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity affecting the Femoral Nerve
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 5, 2018
- Citation
- 18131825
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 18131825.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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