The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20% for DM or ratings greater than 10% prior to August 2006, and no more than 30% since that date.
The deciding factor: The veteran's diabetes mellitus required insulin and a restricted diet but did not require regulation of activities. The peripheral neuropathy was mild incomplete neuropathy prior to August 2006 and severe incomplete neuropathy since then, which still did not warrant higher ratings under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Peripheral Neuropathy of Right Lower Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 7, 2009
- Citation
- 0900656
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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