The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The appeal is now denied as new and material evidence has not been received.,Service connection for bilateral hand numbness is denied because there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in either upper extremity.,The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II remains at 10 percent, as the disability is manageable with a restricted diet alone. The appeal is denied.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities does not warrant a compensable rating due to lack of evidence showing the need for insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, or regulation of activities.
The deciding factor: The new and material evidence submitted since the February 2010 decision did not provide sufficient information to link the Veteran's hearing loss to service.,There is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in either upper extremity. The October 2015 VA examination report concluded that the Veteran does not have bilateral hand numbness.,The Veteran’s diabetes mellitus type II is currently managed with a restricted diet alone, and there is no evidence showing the need for insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, or regulation of activities to control the condition.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it can be considered part of the diabetic process under DC 7913.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, bilateral hand numbness, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 12, 2018
- Citation
- 18117704
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 18117704.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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