The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for any condition.,Specifically, the Board determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy did not meet the required severity levels for higher ratings and his diabetes mellitus did not require insulin or regulation of activities.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show moderate incomplete paralysis for upper extremities or moderately severe incomplete paralysis for lower extremities as required for higher ratings. The Veteran’s diabetes mellitus also did not necessitate the use of insulin or regulation of activities.
- Claimed conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Diabetes mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18141600
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 18141600.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of ambulance travel expenses incurred on June 17, 2025 due to an emergency heart attack. The ambulance service was provided by a volunteer organization and later intercepted by a higher-tier EMT company.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an initial 70 percent rating for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to SMC based on a need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and remanded the issue of esophageal cancer.
- Granted
The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, spinal disability, and hypertension with acute renal failure are all granted. The rating for spinal disability is restored to 20 percent effective January 6, 2020. An increased rating for hypertension with acute renal failure is denied.
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