The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated at 20 percent and his diabetic retinopathy with constricted fields of vision is rated at 50 percent. The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not meet the criteria for ratings in excess of those currently assigned, particularly given that the Veteran has not been advised by a medical professional to avoid strenuous occupational and recreational activities due to his diabetes. The diabetic retinopathy with decreased visual acuity is rated based on the severity of vision loss as per Diagnostic Codes 6080-6066.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type II, Diabetic Retinopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 10, 2018
- Citation
- 1801960
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 1801960.
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).
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