The Veteran's claim for service connection for disability manifested by bilateral foot and toe pain is denied. The Veteran's bipolar disorder is granted, but a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and bipolar disorder remains denied. Service connection for left lower extremity neuropathy is granted with an increased rating to 70 percent. A TDIU is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s bilateral foot and toe pain are service-connected as part of his peripheral neuropathy, so a separate claim was not warranted. His bipolar disorder is aggravated by PTSD. Service connection for psychiatric disorders other than PTSD and bipolar disorder is denied due to lack of evidence. The left lower extremity neuropathy is granted with an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral foot and toe pain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities (femoral and sciatic nerves), bipolar disorder, psychiatric disorders other than PTSD and bipolar disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- February 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20010731
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 20010731.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's bipolar disorder was rated at 50% and then reduced to 30%. The Board has now granted a 70% rating effective November 23, 2021, based on the improvement in her symptoms.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in loss of use of both feet, which qualifies her for an allowance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 2, 2015, for TDIU was denied as the evidence did not show actual worsening within one year prior to his March 2, 2015, claim.
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