A 20 percent rating for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus type 2 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypothyroidism due to herbicide exposure, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus type 2 is remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a finding of moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, warranting a higher 20 percent rating.,An addendum medical opinion is needed to determine if hypothyroidism is etiologically related to service, including herbicide exposure; caused or aggravated by PTSD and/or diabetes mellitus type 2.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy, Hypothyroidism
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20035013
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 20035013.
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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), aortic valve regurgitation, and hypothyroidism as the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection due to lack of in-service diagnosis or chronic symptoms.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for right shin splints due to inadequate examination and failure to address increased symptomatology during flare-ups. The Veteran's service connection for hypothyroidism was granted in full, leaving only her right shin splint issue on appeal.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, Hypothyroidism, and Hypertension. The decision is based on direct evidence of these conditions during service.
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