The veteran's diabetic retinopathy did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation from February 26, 2004 to April 10, 2006; an evaluation in excess of 10 percent from April 11, 2006 to July 20, 2008; and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent from July 21, 2008.
The deciding factor: The veteran's visual acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes at any point during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic retinopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2009
- Citation
- 0902103
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I and related conditions due to a need for additional development of the record.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, kidney condition, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, and tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions due to insufficient evidence of in-service herbicide exposure.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for DMII, diabetic retinopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension but granted an effective date of March 17, 2022, for the award of service connection for migraine headaches and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
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.