The Board denied service connection for right foot drop, finding that the Veteran's current condition is more likely related to his diabetes-related neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis than to any in-service injury. The decision also noted that the Veteran has other service-connected conditions (rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus type II) which already include foot drop.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a finding of a direct relationship between the current right foot condition and an in-service ankle injury, but rather found it more likely related to his pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes-related neuropathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Right foot drop, Rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes mellitus type II
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20075147
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 remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension, to include as secondary to left orchiectomy, for further development in accordance with the PACT Act.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for eligibility for specially adapted housing due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and a right wrist condition due to the withdrawal of the appeals by the Veteran's attorney.
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