The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for type II diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and erectile dysfunction was denied by the RO. The VA eye examination in August 2002 showed corrected visual acuity of 20/40 bilaterally, indicating diabetic retinopathy. Erectile dysfunction is manifested by impotence.
The deciding factor: The veteran's diabetes mellitus requires daily insulin use and diet restriction but does not necessitate restrictions on physical activities.
- Claimed conditions
- Type II diabetes mellitus, Diabetic retinopathy, Erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 24, 2005
- Citation
- 0517232
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 0517232.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.
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The Veteran's September 4, 2024 HLR request was improperly rejected by the AOJ. The Board finds that the request is timely and valid, and reinstates the claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.
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