The Board has denied service connection for polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding that there is no evidence linking the condition to service.
The deciding factor: The medical opinions provided by VA neurologists indicated that the Veteran's polyneuropathy was not related to his in-service exposure to chemical agents during Mesquite Dune, and instead linked it to MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance).
- Claimed conditions
- polyneuropathy of the upper extremities, polyneuropathy of the lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 4, 2020
- Citation
- 20008919
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20008919.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate reasons or bases provided in previous decisions regarding service connection and secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for polyneuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that it was caused by his service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder in early remission.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for TMJ disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, polyneuropathy of the lower extremities, and kidney disorder. The appeal was dismissed due to a March 2019 rating decision granting service connection for TMJ disorder.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of polyneuropathy of the lower extremities and granted a TDIU based on his combined rating of 70 percent. The Board found that there was no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to service, including exposure to heavy metals or cold. The TDIU was granted as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (right knee disability, perforated bowel residuals, acquired psychiatric disorder) meet the criteria for a TDIU.
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