The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is denied. The low back disability has been rated at 20 percent, and the right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy has also been rated at 20 percent. The psychiatric disability has been rated at 50 percent. TDIU has been granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity. The low back disability is manifested by forward flexion exceeding 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees, which corresponds to a 20% rating under Diagnostic Code 5243. The right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also rated at 20 percent based on moderate incomplete paralysis. The psychiatric disability meets the criteria for a 50% rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, Low back disability (lumbar radiculopathy), Psychiatric disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 9, 2018
- Citation
- 1820986
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 1820986.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his psychiatric disability was the initial decision, and thus attorney fees are not eligible based on past due benefits awarded in April 2025.
- Denied
The Veteran's psychiatric disability is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the lowest possible rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they were intermittent and did not significantly impair his occupational or social functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's motion to revise the May 2013 rating decision that denied a TDIU, finding no clear and unmistakable error.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability has been rated at 100 percent, and he is already receiving special monthly compensation (SMC) under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s). Therefore, there remains no issue for the Board to resolve regarding entitlement to Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
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