The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, back condition, and right knee degenerative joint disease. The decision found that there was no current diagnosis of these conditions prior to death, and that any in-service injuries or exposures did not result in a chronic disability.
The deciding factor: There is insufficient evidence to establish a current disability for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, back condition, or right knee degenerative joint disease. The medical records do not support a diagnosis of these conditions prior to death and there was no chronicity or continuity of symptoms post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, Back condition (thoracolumbar spine), Right knee degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20046506
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 20046506.
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 right knee disability is granted as service connected, effective August 19, 2009. The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent and his TDIU due to MDD is also granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a remand is necessary to determine if it warrants a higher evaluation. Additionally, the TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim for right knee disability.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, finding that it is less likely than not related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis to the extent it is related to the Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder. The left knee disability, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities are denied as not being related to service.
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