The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, edema of the lower extremities, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left eye disorder, and right eye disorder are not etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease is considered secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that any of the claimed conditions are directly or proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Edema of the lower extremities, Bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, Left eye disorder, Right eye disorder, Atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 15, 2008
- Citation
- 0843174
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 0843174.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC was denied as the Board found that he is already in receipt of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure. A second award of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance was not warranted.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for SMC based on housebound status and need for aid and attendance, finding that he did not meet the criteria for these benefits prior to the specified dates.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus, have resulted in loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing and dismissed the claim for a special home adaptation grant as moot.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring clarification on whether the Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is early-onset and if it is related to Agent Orange exposure during service.
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