The veteran's diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and retinopathy was granted a rating of 20 percent, effective prior to May 9, 2006. The ratings for diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were also granted at 20 percent from May 9, 2006, to July 10, 2006. For the period beginning July 11, 2006, the veteran's diabetes mellitus with retinopathy was rated as 20 percent and his peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities were each rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with associated complications (retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy) met the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7913, effective prior to May 9, 2006. The ratings were adjusted based on the severity of his symptoms during different periods.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, retinopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 14, 2007
- Citation
- 0735820
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 0735820.
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.
- Denied
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, right lower extremity peripheral artery disease, left lower extremity peripheral artery disease, and hypertension as the evidence did not establish an in-service event or exposure to herbicide agents.
- Granted
The Veteran's Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular Aid and Attendance is granted as of April 25, 2024.,For diabetes mellitus, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.
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