The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not show that the disability warrants a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes requires insulin and a restricted diet without regulation of activities (occupational and recreational), which are already reflected in the current 20% rating under Diagnostic Code 7913 for diabetes mellitus.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 31, 2011
- Citation
- 1132083
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1132083.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities and right upper extremity. However, an earlier effective date is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for back disability, erectile dysfunction, initial compensable rating for left subclavian artery aneurysm, a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.,VA treatment records are requested as they may be relevant to the issues on appeal.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for diabetic neuropathy, diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective from May 25, 2012.
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