The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the upper extremities is mildly affected, while his lower extremities are moderately affected.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated diabetic neuropathy have rendered him unable to work since September 30, 2008.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the Veteran's diabetic neuropathy affects both upper and lower extremities with varying degrees of severity. The evaluations are based on the specific nerve involvement as per Diagnostic Codes 8515 (median nerves), 8516 (ulnar nerves), 8520 (sciatic nerves) and 8521 (peroneal nerves).
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Upper Extremity, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Upper Extremity, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 28, 2017
- Citation
- 1754257
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 1754257.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied higher ratings for type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, but granted initial 20 percent ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremity, femoral nerve. The case was also remanded for a TDIU claim.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent evaluation.
- Granted
The Veteran's type I diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.,Prior to August 12, 2015, the Veteran's bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy with retinal bleed and pseudophakia was rated at 30 percent. From August 12, 2015, it has been rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy with retinal bleed and pseudophakia is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 40 percent.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence supporting a higher disability level.,The Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to January 28, 2022, for diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity were also denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence showing such severity.
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