The Veteran's service-connected low back disorder was granted a rating of 20 percent prior to August 24, 2010 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The right knee and left knee disorders were each granted a rating of 10 percent initially, with the left knee receiving an additional 10 percent for instability starting from August 24, 2010. The service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities was also granted initial ratings of 10 percent prior to August 24, 2010 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disorder met the criteria for a higher rating based on its severity from August 24, 2010 onwards. The right knee and left knee disorders were each granted initial ratings of 10 percent due to their respective limitations in motion. The left knee received an additional 10 percent rating for instability starting from August 24, 2010. The service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy was also granted increased ratings based on its severity.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy into bilateral lower extremities, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, left knee retropatellar pain syndrome, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 8, 2013
- Citation
- 1311584
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 1311584.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for DMII, bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and bowel resection are granted. The claim for OSA is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II has been granted an increased rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the left lower extremity.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II has also been granted an increased rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the right lower extremity.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cataracts and diabetic retinopathy/glaucoma are denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, left lower extremity, right upper extremity, and left upper extremity as proximately due to diabetes mellitus, type II are granted.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including prostate cancer, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, diabetic nephropathy and end stage renal disease with dialysis, diabetic peripheral neuropathies of various extremities, erectile dysfunction, lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, and bilateral knee replacements, do not meet the criteria for service connection based on direct evidence or presumptive exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also found that there was no qualifying exposure to toxic environmental exposures during service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.