The Board has denied the appellant's claims for increased disability ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities. The initial evaluations were denied as they did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that prior to May 11, 2000, the appellant required insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities for diabetes mellitus, which was rated at 40 percent. From May 11, 2000, the need for a wheelchair due to worsening complications meant a 60 percent evaluation. For peripheral neuropathy, the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 25, 2003
- Citation
- 0332952
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 0332952.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a psychiatric disability due to insufficient evidence of the severity required for higher ratings.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for his diabetes mellitus, a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, and a total disability rating due to service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a heart disability, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, but denied service connection for multiple tooth trauma.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case to obtain a medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his cardiovascular diseases, which were listed as contributing causes of death.
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