The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities were denied as there is no evidence of complete paralysis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show complete paralysis of either sciatic nerve, which is required for a higher rating. The Veteran's symptoms are characterized by moderate to severe incomplete paralysis, but do not meet the criteria for complete paralysis as defined in Diagnostic Code 8521.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, Peripheral polyneuropathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 30, 2018
- Citation
- 1825124
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 1825124.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus, have resulted in loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing and dismissed the claim for a special home adaptation grant as moot.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring clarification on whether the Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is early-onset and if it is related to Agent Orange exposure during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper and lower extremities due to herbicide agent exposure, as there is a pre-decisional duty to assist error that occurred prior to the date of the AOJ decision on appeal.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both the right and left lower extremities, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected hypertension.
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