The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for diminished reflexes in his upper and lower extremities have been denied. The current ratings of 40 percent for the right upper extremity, 30 percent for the left upper extremity, 20 percent for each lower extremity are maintained as they adequately reflect the severity of his neurological impairment.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding of severe or complete paralysis in any of the Veteran's upper or lower extremities, and the current ratings appropriately reflect the level of functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Diminished reflexes of the right upper extremity, Diminished reflexes of the left upper extremity, Diminished reflexes of the left lower extremity, Diminished reflexes of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20080483
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
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