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
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,104 · Granted: 28% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 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.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for a VA examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Bilateral Lower Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Sciatic Nerve), Erectile Dysfunction, and Bladder Cancer in remission. Effective dates have been set for these awards as of July 14, 2004. The Veteran's claim for higher initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded.
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