The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both sciatic nerves prior to June 10, 2021, and special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate from August 30, 2018 to November 1, 2021.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were characterized by moderate pain and numbness in his feet and toes, which most closely approximated a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8520. The evidence did not show that the neuropathy was more than average or caused motor and/or reflex impairment at a higher grade.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Sciatic Nerve, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Sciatic Nerve, Prostate Cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 30, 2024
- Citation
- A24070016
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board granted an effective date of March 15, 2023, for a 40 percent evaluation for service-connected prostate cancer and earlier dates for the awards of service connection for anterior and posterior trunk scars.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection due to new and relevant evidence having been received since a previous denial.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claims for a heart disorder and prostate cancer were remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and denied increased ratings for a painful post-right inguinal hernia repair scar, hemorrhoids, and migraine headaches. The reduction of the rating for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 60 percent was upheld.
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