The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, nor does he need regular aid and attendance of another person.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated at least 70% disabling, but his actual occupational training and activity demonstrate that he is capable of obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. His educational experience and skills also support this conclusion.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (right lower extremity with radiculopathy), Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity with radiculopathy), Convergence insufficiency with diplopia and diabetic retinopathy of the left eye, Onychomycosis, Lumbar disc disease, Gout, Right third finger injury, Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 11, 2018
- Citation
- 1821660
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 1821660.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrence.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted higher levels of SMC and aid and attendance special monthly compensation effective May 3, 2024, due to his service-connected conditions that require regular aid and assistance.
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