Neuropathy

[navyvet]

I had been rated at 10% for left foot 10% for right foot 10% for upper left leg and 10% for upper right leg.

I had the required exam that found my neuropathy had worsened . The VA changed my Rating to 20% for left foot and 20 % for right foot, however there is now no rating for left and right upper.

IS THIS STANDARD ROUTINE OF THEM ?

WHAT SHOULD I DO ?

[navyvet]

Thank you for your insight , I will get hold of my SO and ask him . Will keep you updated .

Well I talked to my SO he said my codes were 8699 and 8620 for feet . No mention of 8520 or 8521 . He also stated they said the numbness in my leg is not service connected :)

The numbness started when I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes , along with all the other pains .

[entropent]

Well I talked to my SO he said my codes were 8699 and 8620 for feet . No mention of 8520 or 8521 . He also stated they said the numbness in my leg is not service connected :)

The numbness started when I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes , along with all the other pains .

the 8699-8620 code makes sense (it is a variant of the 8520 code), but may not be to your advantage in the long run, because it maxes out at "moderate" incomplete paralysis. but i do not understand the reference to not being service connected for your legs. please elaborate? is your 8699-8620 service connected or not service connected? fyi, va will make no distinction between feet and legs when evaluating neuropathy. so if you are service connected for your feet, that is also considered for you legs below the knees.

[navyvet]

the 8699-8620 code makes sense (it is a variant of the 8520 code), but may not be to your advantage in the long run, because it maxes out at "moderate" incomplete paralysis. but i do not understand the reference to not being service connected for your legs. please elaborate? is your 8699-8620 service connected or not service connected? fyi, va will make no distinction between feet and legs when evaluating neuropathy. so if you are service connected for your feet, that is also considered for you legs below the knees.

I am a Vietnam veteran brown water navy in the Delta of Vietnam. I have Type 2 Diabetes and orignally they assigned 10% each for left and right foot and 10% for each Upper legfor Neuropathy Being caused by the Diabetes. I have no Idea why they would say its not service related now !!!

My SO told me where my Total rating had been raised he figured I would be happy with that . :) I just want whats coming to me , I don't think he understands.

[entropent]

I am a Vietnam veteran brown water navy in the Delta of Vietnam. I have Type 2 Diabetes and orignally they assigned 10% each for left and right foot and 10% for each Upper legfor Neuropathy Being caused by the Diabetes. I have no Idea why they would say its not service related now !!!

My SO told me where my Total rating had been raised he figured I would be happy with that . :) I just want whats coming to me , I don't think he understands.

well, i would hope your VSO is mistaken regarding the neuropathy being not service connected, since you had a rating which changed the two ten percents for each leg into a single 20 for each leg. the rater would not bother to do that if it weren't service connected. i would submit an appeal of the 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left leg and explain you have it up to the hip. the 8620 diagnostic code also addresses the sciatic nerve, so you are in the right ballpark regarding that. and don't forget about a claim for the neuropathy of the hand(s).

by the way, many people find that diabetes can cause ED. VA will pay special monthly compensation for ED if it is due to diabetes. that is in addition to the compensation based on your combined evaluation. so submit a claim if it applies to you.

[navyvet]

well, i would hope your VSO is mistaken regarding the neuropathy being not service connected, since you had a rating which changed the two ten percents for each leg into a single 20 for each leg. the rater would not bother to do that if it weren't service connected. i would submit an appeal of the 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left leg and explain you have it up to the hip. the 8620 diagnostic code also addresses the sciatic nerve, so you are in the right ballpark regarding that. and don't forget about a claim for the neuropathy of the hand(s).

by the way, many people find that diabetes can cause ED. VA will pay special monthly compensation for ED if it is due to diabetes. that is in addition to the compensation based on your combined evaluation. so submit a claim if it applies to you.

My Prostate Cancer got the ED before Diabetes had a chance :) They gave me that. TY

If I submit a claim for the Hands and they find they are not severely affected yet to give a rating.Will that cause me to not be able to claim it if it worsens? Like I said they are only numb and tingling sometimes .They seem normal more with the exception of the left hand not being able to grip like it use to .

[entropent]

"If I submit a claim for the Hands and they find they are not severely affected yet to give a rating.Will that cause me to not be able to claim it if it worsens?"

no. neuropathy is a known complication of diabetes, if you claim it they should order an exam. if they do not find enough to warrant a compensable rating separate from the diabetes, they will service connect at 0 percent and roll it in with the primary diagnosis of diabetes. that way it is service connected, and when it worsens, you have a claim for increase, not a reopened claim.