The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability rating for diabetes mellitus from 60% to 20%, effective July 1, 2000, was proper. The veteran's major depression is rated at 30%. An effective date of July 9, 1992, for total disability based on individual unemployability and an effective date of October 14, 1999, for Chapter 35 benefits have been granted.
The deciding factor: The veteran's diabetes mellitus was controlled by diet alone with no need for insulin therapy. His major depression resulted in definite occupational and social impairment as evidenced by his inability to obtain or retain employment.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, major depression
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 14, 2003
- Citation
- 0304814
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 0304814.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus to obtain further medical opinions regarding their potential relationship to toxic exposures during active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for major depression, personality disorder, and severe anxiety due to an inadequate VA examination and opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and bilateral knee strain to obtain additional medical opinions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus; granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and skin cancer; and restored the 10 percent rating for hypertension.
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