The Veteran's initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and thoracolumbar spine disability were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher initial ratings in any of these cases.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's service-connected conditions required insulin or a regulated diet to control diabetes mellitus, persistent daytime hypersomnolence due to obstructive sleep apnea, regulation of activities by medical professionals, use of a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, or effects on usual daily activities.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), disability of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2013
- Citation
- 1300617
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 1300617.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as there is no current diagnosis of this condition during the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
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