The Veteran's initial rating for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension was denied as the condition did not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating.,The Veteran's increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II was denied because management of the condition required only insulin and/or an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet, which is consistent with the 20 percent rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 7913.,The Veteran's increased rating for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (from April 23, 2018 forward) was granted as it manifested in moderate incomplete paralysis of all radicular nerve groups without severe incomplete paralysis of all radicular nerve groups.,The Veteran's increased rating for right lower extremity and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied due to the lack of evidence showing moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,TDIU was granted as the Veteran has been unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The deciding factor: The criteria for a higher initial disability rating in excess of 60 percent for diabetic nephropathy were not met because the condition did not manifest persistent edema and albuminuria with BUN 40 mg% or greater; creatinine 4 mg% or greater, or generalized poor health characterized by lethargy, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, or limitation of exertion.,The criteria for a higher disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II were not met because management of the condition required only insulin and/or an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet, which is consistent with the 20 percent rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 7913.,The criteria for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (from April 23, 2018 forward) were met as it manifested in moderate incomplete paralysis of all radicular nerve groups without severe incomplete paralysis of all radicular nerve groups.,The criteria for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were not met due to the lack of evidence showing moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,TDIU was granted as the Veteran has been unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

Claimed conditions

diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

60%

Decision date

May 30, 2019

Citation

19141049

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 19141049.