The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction and bilateral cataracts is denied. The claim for an initial rating higher than 80 percent for diabetic renal disease (microalbumin) is also denied. The claims for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status are denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not meet the criteria associated with a schedular rating in excess of 20 percent, as there is no evidence that his occupational and recreational activities have been regulated due to the condition. The Veteran's diabetic renal disease does not result in hypertension or cardiovascular impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Erectile Dysfunction, Bilateral Cataracts
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 8, 2019
- Citation
- A19000009
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and a higher rating for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy with muscle weakness, but granted an earlier effective date for the 60 percent disability rating for thrombosis, TIA or cerebral infarction with impairment of sphincter control and voiding dysfunction, and for service connection for pharynx and/or larynx and/or swallowing conditions residuals.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with MDD, service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the service-connected condition, and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance. However, it denied SMC based on housebound status.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for tension headaches effective September 13, 2022, but denied earlier effective dates and service connection for various conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased evaluation for the Veteran's psychiatric disability and granted TDIU beginning April 5, 2022.
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