The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher initial ratings were denied. The heart disorder claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The diabetes mellitus claim resulted in a 10% rating, which is the maximum allowed under the criteria. The left and right lower extremity neuropathy claims were granted with each receiving a 20% rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's heart disorder was not diagnosed during service or post-service examination. His diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 10%, the maximum allowed under the criteria. The left and right lower extremity neuropathy are rated at 20% each, as they meet the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Heart Disorder, Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 6, 2010
- Citation
- 1016985
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 1016985.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial PCAFC application was granted in December 2022, effective from December 21, 2022. The Board found that the criteria for eligibility were met since his initial application in December 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the service connection claims for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Heart Disorder due to a duty to assist error in obtaining opinions regarding whether these conditions are aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.
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