The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for type II diabetes mellitus was granted, but the Board found that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The Veteran's onychomycosis of the toenails with tinea pedis, bilaterally, more closely approximated to the criteria for a 20 percent rating as analogous to scarring.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s diabetes mellitus required insulin and a restricted diet but did not necessitate regulation of activities. The onychomycosis of the toenails with tinea pedis was rated based on its impact on the skin, which is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 7806 as analogous to dermatitis or eczema.
- Claimed conditions
- Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Nephropathy, Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis), Peripheral Neuropathy of the Upper Extremities, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities, Voiding Dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 4, 2014
- Citation
- 1449003
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 1449003.
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 Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Bilateral Lower Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Sciatic Nerve), Erectile Dysfunction, and Bladder Cancer in remission. Effective dates have been set for these awards as of July 14, 2004. The Veteran's claim for higher initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding obesity as an intermediate step in causing or aggravating these conditions, and because of potential toxic exposure during service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for Type II Diabetes Mellitus has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal before the Board could make a decision.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted a TDIU with a September 19, 2024 effective date based on his PTSD, emphysema, and COPD symptoms. His diabetes, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss were not found to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 19, 2024.
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