The Veteran's appeal seeking reconsideration of the June 2013 rating decision has been dismissed. The claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was already on appeal at the time of a May 2017 rating decision, and his PTSD rating was reduced from 70% to 30%. Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was granted in May 2017.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's November 2013 request for reconsideration of the June 2013 decision was construed as a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD), rendering his appeal moot. The reduction from 70% to 30% rating for PTSD in May 2015 was supported by evidence showing improvement.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20033831
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 20033831.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
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 (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have been granted due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
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