The Veteran's right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy are rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy more nearly approximates moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, warranting a 20 percent disability rating for each leg.
- Claimed conditions
- Right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20067606
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.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for DM II, left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, and bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.
- Granted
The Board granted increased disability ratings of 40 percent for both the left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, effective May 27, 2022, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from that date.
- Granted
The Board granted the appeal to restore the 20 percent evaluation for left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy effective June 1, 2025, as the reduction was improper.
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