The Board denied claims for effective dates prior to May 2, 2008, for service connection of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), back strain, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the June 27, 1996 Medical Board Narrative Summary was not associated with the claims file at the time of the November 1996 rating decision, which required reconsideration under 38 C.F.R. § 3.156(c). However, the Board concluded that the summary was contained in the claims file and thus reconsideration was not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), back strain, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20048160
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 20048160.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of peripheral neuropathy in all four extremities, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of peripheral neuropathy in all four extremities, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.
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