The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy has resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities, warranting a 100% rating. He is also entitled to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his condition. Additionally, he is eligible for financial assistance in purchasing a specially adapted automobile or other conveyance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy has caused severe impairment of both lower extremities, resulting in loss of use as defined by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- December 10, 2009
- Citation
- 0946896
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 0946896.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, ischemic heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, prostate cancer residuals, bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (sciatic), and diabetes mellitus Type 2, combine to result in physical or mental impairment that renders him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance of another person. However, the need for aid and attendance must be determined without considering nonservice-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's disability ratings for diabetic neuropathy and hypertension were restored to their previous levels effective November 1, 2025.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities involving the femoral nerve was denied evaluations in excess of 20 percent on or after April 13, 2022.
- Granted
The Veteran's neurocognitive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran also qualifies for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to multiple service-connected disabilities.
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