The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, and bilateral hip and knee strains were denied. The Board found that the criteria for a 40 percent rating under DC 7913 (for type II diabetes mellitus) have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes did not meet the criteria for a 40 percent rating under DC 7913, as he was able to perform all activities of daily living without restrictions and had no episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization or visits to a diabetic care provider.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Gastroparesis, Type II diabetes mellitus, Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetic nephropathy, Left hip strain, Right hip strain, Left knee strain, Right knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 26, 2013
- Citation
- 1310230
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 1310230.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability, finding that there was no nexus between his current condition and active duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
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