The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the right upper extremity and bilateral lower extremities has been denied as the current assigned ratings adequately compensate him for average impairment in earning capacity due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diabetes mellitus, have resulted in a level of disability that is adequately addressed by the currently assigned ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2017
- Citation
- 1711439
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 1711439.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, ischemic heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, prostate cancer residuals, bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (sciatic), and diabetes mellitus Type 2, combine to result in physical or mental impairment that renders him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance of another person. However, the need for aid and attendance must be determined without considering nonservice-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's disability ratings for diabetic neuropathy and hypertension were restored to their previous levels effective November 1, 2025.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities involving the femoral nerve was denied evaluations in excess of 20 percent on or after April 13, 2022.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's neurocognitive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran also qualifies for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to multiple service-connected disabilities.
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