The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 7913. His peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity are each rated at 20 percent, his peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity are each rated at 10 percent, and his erectile dysfunction is rated as noncompensable. His bilateral diabetic retinopathy of the eyes is also rated as noncompensable.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires insulin and a restricted diet or an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet, warranting a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7913. His peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity are each rated at 20 percent as they involve moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. His peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity are each rated at 10 percent as they involve mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve. His erectile dysfunction is rated as noncompensable due to lack of any deformity, and his bilateral diabetic retinopathy of the eyes is also rated as noncompensable.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes mellitus, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, Erectile dysfunction, Bilateral diabetic retinopathy of the eyes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 1, 2012
- Citation
- 1219370
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 1219370.
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
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The Veteran's claim for an initial 70 percent rating for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to SMC based on a need for aid and attendance.
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