The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type I, with retinopathy and for evaluations in excess of 60 percent for diabetes mellitus, type I, with retinopathy. The claim for residuals of Graves' disease is also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the presence of neuropathy as a current disability, and service connection cannot be granted on a secondary basis without competent medical evidence linking it to the service-connected diabetes mellitus, type I.
- Claimed conditions
- Neuropathy, Diabetes Mellitus, Type I
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 16, 2008
- Citation
- 0823505
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 0823505.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Loss of Use of Both Feet with Sciatic and Femoral Nerve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, have resulted in the permanent loss of use of both feet. The Board has determined that this meets the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran does not require personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to his ability to perform activities of daily living independently and manage his health without assistance.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran is not in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to his conditions, and thus denied eligibility for PCAFC enrollment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's eligibility for a higher-level stipend (Level 2) in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is granted due to his significant limitations and need for personal care services, including assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and toileting.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.