The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetic neuropathy of all extremities is denied as the condition was not diagnosed until August 2011, which is after May 8, 2001 when diabetes mellitus (the basis for presumptive service connection) was added to the list of diseases associated with herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy was not shown until an August 2011 VA examination, and thus did not meet the criteria for a grant of service connection on May 8, 2001 when diabetes mellitus (the basis for presumptive service connection) was added to the list of diseases associated with herbicide exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 23, 2018
- Citation
- 18100854
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 18100854.
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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