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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0206003.