The Board has determined that the reduction in ratings for radiculopathy of the upper extremities was improper and has restored the original ratings. The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and TDIU are remanded.
The deciding factor: The reduction in ratings did not follow proper procedures, resulting in a void rating decision. The issues related to service connection have been identified as needing further medical evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 23, 2019
- Citation
- 19174009
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 19174009.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology since service and concluding that his current disabilities are more likely related to an in-service injury than to his military service.
- Dismissed
The appeal of the proposal to discontinue service connection for residuals of prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction, including special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ is dismissed. The issues of right and left knee disorders, DMII, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, based on sciatic nerve impairment, is granted with a disability rating of 40 percent effective from March 4, 2023. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, based on femoral nerve impairment, is also granted with a disability rating of 20 percent effective from March 4, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
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