The Board denied service connection for decreased visual acuity, diabetic retinopathy, as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for a back disorder and a neck disorder, both secondary to service-connected right ankle and foot disability, and an increased evaluation for intertrigo of the groin and scrotum.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's eye conditions were not found to be related to his diabetes. The Board also noted that there was no evidence of aggravation or causation between the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities and his current disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- Decreased visual acuity, Diabetic retinopathy, Back disorder (lumbar spine degenerative joint disease), Neck disorder (cervical paravertebral myositis and degenerative joint disease)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18141644
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 18141644.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus, have resulted in loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing and dismissed the claim for a special home adaptation grant as moot.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I and related conditions due to a need for additional development of the record.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, kidney condition, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, and tinnitus.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions due to insufficient evidence of in-service herbicide exposure.
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