The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran’s diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease met the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of their symptoms and functional impairment, nor did it demonstrate the presence of compensable complications. The peripheral neuropathy was rated at the lowest level due to its mild incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes mellitus, Chronic kidney disease, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2019
- Citation
- 19129245
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding no evidence that his death was related to any injury or disease in service, including exposure to herbicide agents.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding whether the current condition is caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded the claims for sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease due to duty-to-assist errors.
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