The Veteran’s claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and Osgood-Schlatter's disease of the knees have been denied. The Board found that the current 20 percent ratings for both left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and 30 percent ratings for both left and right knee disabilities are appropriate based on the evidence showing moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve and mild instability with no ankylosis or other severe impairment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability picture did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes, as his symptoms were characterized by moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerves in both lower extremities and mild instability without significant ankylosis or other severe impairments.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Osgood-Schlatter's disease of the left knee, Osgood-Schlatter's disease of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2019
- Citation
- 19175605
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding whether the current condition is caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, to include as due to herbicide agent exposure, for compliance with a Court order regarding the provision of an examiner's curriculum vitae.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.