The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left calf disability was denied as there is no evidence of a current left calf disability other than his already service-connected left lower extremity neuritis with aggravated leg cramps. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to July 18, 2011, was also denied due to the fact that it is not factually ascertainable he became unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during this period. His claim for TDIU based on multiple service-connected disabilities from July 18, 2011 onwards remains moot as his combined rating already meets the criteria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left calf symptoms are part of his already service-connected left lower extremity neuritis with aggravated leg cramps and do not constitute a separate disability. The Veteran did not become unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during the relevant period prior to July 18, 2011.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower extremity neuritis with aggravated leg cramps, chronic body wide rash, sleep apnea, chronic dry mouth, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), enlarged tongue, headache, memory loss and cognitive disability, sleep tremors, REM sleep behavior disorder, right leg cramping, left leg cramping
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23064296
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23064296.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease manifesting within one year after service and concluding that the current disability is not related to his in-service deviated septum.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current sleep disorder is related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disability, abdominal hernia, GERD, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral foot disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty.
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