The Veteran's claim for peripheral neuropathy was denied. The back disability is rated at 40 percent since May 9, 2001. Separate ratings of 20 percent are granted for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic and femoral nerves respectively. Service connection is established for Haglund's deformities of both heels.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, and his back disability was rated at 40 percent since May 9, 2001 based on the criteria in effect prior to September 26, 2003. Separate ratings are granted for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic and femoral nerves respectively.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy, Back disability (thoracolumbar spine status post herniated disc, status post laminectomy repair for herniated disc, intervertebral disc disease, and lumbar osteoarthritis), Left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, Right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the femoral nerve, Haglund's deformity of left heel, Haglund's deformity of right heel
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 22, 2023
- Citation
- 23018013
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 23018013.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have been granted due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection and special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of the left hand due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy.,The Board also denied service connection and SMC for loss of use of the right hand due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, have rendered her unable to complete daily activities without assistance. The Board has determined that she is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her physical incapacities.
- Dismissed
The appeal of the June 2025 AOJ decision regarding entitlement to service connection for disabilities caused by thyroid is dismissed. The AOJ's denial of other claims (bilateral knee, shoulder, hip, neuropathy, and stomach ulcer) is remanded.
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