The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy was reopened due to new and relevant evidence. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, which became manifest within service, meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection under Agent Orange exposure. Service connection is granted for this condition. However, there is no evidence linking the bilateral upper extremity neuropathy to service or herbicide exposure, and thus it was denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lower extremity symptoms were diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy during service and persisted post-service, meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection under Agent Orange exposure. The upper extremity condition did not manifest within a year of presumed exposure to herbicides.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 30, 2024
- Citation
- A24022185
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 A24022185.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diabetes mellitus type II, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy. The Veteran's cause of death due to these conditions is also recognized.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding past-due benefits awarded in the March 20, 2023 rating decision. The matter is being returned for further adjudication.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the August 2023 rating decision granting a TDIU was not an initial decision, making the appellant eligible for direct payment of fees from past due benefits awarded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to his cause of death, and DIC benefits are granted. The issue of entitlement to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.