The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II and bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from June 9, 2007 to May 2, 2011.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's occupational background included work as an electrician and as a driver. His disabilities were found to be more disabling than his employment history, with significant impact on his ability to perform physical or sedentary employment due to back spasms, inability to grip objects, and frequent back pain.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, Type II, bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2018
- Citation
- 18145600
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 18145600.
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 have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 2, 2017. The Board has decided that he is entitled to a TDIU effective from that date.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeals for service connection on four separate conditions (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disease, and right knee replacement) have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II is granted as secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, Type II and related peripheral neuropathies as well as erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease due to in-service exposure to toxic substances. The AOJ is required to verify whether the USS Suribachi was a brown water ship known to transport Agent Orange and obtain a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.
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