The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities were denied as his symptoms did not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran’s symptoms, while causing discomfort, did not meet the criteria for more severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetic peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (right lower extremity)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20064617
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, but denied earlier effective dates for bilateral hearing loss and surgical scar of the low back, midline. The Board also remanded claims for service connection for various disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of separate 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity femoral nerve diabetic peripheral neuropathy, as well as a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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