The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, were all denied by the Board.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support finding complete paralysis of the common peroneal nerve or sciatic nerve, which would warrant a higher rating. The Veteran's education and previous work experience as a driver did not indicate he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20027438
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 20027438.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for DMII, bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and bowel resection are granted. The claim for OSA is denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II has been granted an increased rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the left lower extremity.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II has also been granted an increased rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the right lower extremity.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cataracts and diabetic retinopathy/glaucoma are denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, left lower extremity, right upper extremity, and left upper extremity as proximately due to diabetes mellitus, type II are granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including prostate cancer, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, diabetic nephropathy and end stage renal disease with dialysis, diabetic peripheral neuropathies of various extremities, erectile dysfunction, lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, and bilateral knee replacements, do not meet the criteria for service connection based on direct evidence or presumptive exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also found that there was no qualifying exposure to toxic environmental exposures during service.
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