The Board denied service connection for left foot and right foot neuropathy due to cold weather exposure, as the evidence did not support a link between in-service cold exposure and the current diagnoses. The claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status was also denied because the Veteran's 100% disability rating was not based on a single service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not establish a nexus between the Veteran’s in-service cold exposure and his current diagnoses of left and right foot neuropathy, and continuity of symptomatology could not be established as the symptoms began decades after separation from service.
- Claimed conditions
- left foot neuropathy, right foot neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18141699
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 18141699.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied increased ratings for sleep apnea, left ankle scar, painful left ankle scar, acquired psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder), left foot metatarsalgia, and right knee limitation of flexion. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for left foot neuropathy and 20 percent rating for right knee limitation of extension.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for left and right foot neuropathy to correct a pre-decisional error in obtaining adequate medical opinions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of service connection for right foot neuropathy and ratings for left foot hallux valgus and left foot strain to correct a duty to assist error, specifically to obtain additional medical records and a clarifying opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various foot disabilities, including pes planus, plantar fasciitis, Haglund's deformity, neuropathy, and heel spurs of both feet, to obtain additional evidence and a medical examination.
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