The Board denied service connection for chronic heart disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as these conditions are not related to active duty service or service-connected diabetes mellitus.
The deciding factor: There is no medical evidence establishing a direct relationship between the veteran's current disabilities and his active duty service. The Board found that the veteran's heart disability was not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, nor did it find any evidence of aggravation. For peripheral neuropathy, the VA examiner concluded that it is more likely due to hereditary neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) rather than being aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic heart disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 23, 2008
- Citation
- 0817050
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 0817050.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases of hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered with additional medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for alcohol dependence and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, both secondary to service-connected conditions.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, erectile dysfunction, cataracts, residuals of a stroke, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. However, tinnitus was granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to in-service toxic exposure.
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