The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the legs, and erectile dysfunction have been denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the separate disability ratings for peripheral artery disease in both legs has also been denied. The issues of service connection for hypertension and TDIU are being remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, which includes the complications of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. His erectile dysfunction is not separately rated because it is considered a manifestation of his diabetes mellitus. The claim for hypertension is pending as additional evidence may be needed to establish its relationship with diabetes.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, peripheral artery disease of the left leg, peripheral artery disease of the right leg, peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, peripheral neuropathy of the right leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 15, 2013
- Citation
- 1301547
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 1301547.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, visual impairment, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's claims were not granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus type II (DM II), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected DM II. The Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during active service is presumed.
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