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 assigned
- 0%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18100854.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's disability ratings for diabetic neuropathy and hypertension were restored to their previous levels effective November 1, 2025.
- 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.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.