The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and increased rating for type II diabetes mellitus with background diabetic retinopathy was denied as there is no evidence that the veteran met all eligibility criteria for service connection prior to March 10, 2003.
The deciding factor: There is no medical evidence of record showing that prior to April 22, 2004, the veteran's type II diabetes mellitus with background diabetic retinopathy required insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent in conjunction with a restricted diet. As such, an earlier effective date and increased rating are not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- type II diabetes mellitus with background diabetic retinopathy
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 5, 2008
- Citation
- 0814772
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
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