The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent prior to January 9, 2006 and increased to 20 percent from June 3, 2007 onwards. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities has been rated at 10 percent since July 27, 2011, while his right lower and left lower extremity neuropathies have remained at 10 percent.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not found to warrant a higher rating prior to January 9, 2006. From January 9, 2006 to June 2, 2007, the condition did not require any additional treatment beyond diet and exercise. Since then, it has required oral hypoglycemic medication and a restricted diet.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was rated at 10 percent prior to July 27, 2011, with no higher rating being warranted due to mild incomplete paralysis in both radial and ulnar nerves. Since then, it has not met the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to July 27, 2011, with no higher rating being warranted due to mild incomplete paralysis in the external popliteal nerve. Since then, it has not met the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to July 27, 2011, with no higher rating being warranted due to mild incomplete paralysis in the external popliteal nerve. Since then, it has not met the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy have been rated based on their respective diagnostic codes (7913 for diabetes mellitus and 8514/8621 for peripheral neuropathy), with the ratings being determined by the severity of symptoms, such as incomplete paralysis in the nerves affected.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Upper Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Upper Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 27, 2014
- Citation
- 1403520
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 1403520.
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: Denied
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and various peripheral neuropathies have been granted increased ratings. Effective August 16, 2023, the Veteran is now eligible for a TDIU rating and DEA benefits.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at October 18, 2023. The lumbosacral strain has also received a higher initial rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from March 29, 2012, to April 23, 2025. The Board granted a TDIU during this period.
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