The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus, and separate evaluations of 10 percent each for diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity, left lower extremity, right upper extremity, and left upper extremity. Separate evaluations of 10 percent each have been granted for diabetic retinopathy of the right eye and left eye.
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence demonstrated that appellant's diabetes mellitus required insulin and a restricted diet, warranting a 40 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7913. The neuropathy evaluations were based on mild sensory diminishment without motor deficits in each extremity, which is rated as no more than mild incomplete paralysis of nerves affecting each extremity (Diagnostic Codes 8624 and 8612). The retinopathy evaluations were based on the absence of exfoliation, crusting, exudation, extensive lesions, marked disfigurement, ulceration, or systemic/nervous manifestations.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Upper Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Upper Extremity, Diabetic Retinopathy of the Right Eye, Diabetic Retinopathy of the Left Eye
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 6, 2002
- Citation
- 0206003
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0206003.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
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