The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent, and there is no basis for an increased rating. The Veteran has gout in his left ankle and foot, which warrants a compensable rating, but not separate ratings for the wrist and hand or great toe. The Veteran also has arthritis of the left great toe, which warrants a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 7913 due to his need for insulin twice daily and restricted diet. There is no evidence that regulation of activities is required as part of the medical management of diabetes, thus preventing a higher rating. The peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum under Diagnostic Code 8521. The Veteran's gout in his left ankle and foot warrants a compensable rating (10%) under Diagnostic Code 5002, but not separate ratings for the wrist and hand or great toe. The arthritis of the left great toe also warrants a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, gout of the left ankle and foot, gout of the left wrist and hand, arthritis of the left great toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 4, 2017
- Citation
- 1731422
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 1731422.
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.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.
- Denied
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