The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating due to lack of episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations or visits to diabetic care providers. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was also denied as he did not demonstrate permanent bedridden status or in need of regular aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran required insulin injections at least once per day, a restricted diet, but no episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations or visits to diabetic care providers. The Board found that his diabetes mellitus did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 7913.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, type II, Parkinson's disease, left ankle strain, chronic lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19142706
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus to obtain further medical opinions regarding their potential relationship to toxic exposures during active service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection and granted initial 40 percent ratings for left upper extremity CTS, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) housebound status, but dismissed the claims for initial ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for right foot, left elbow, left hip, left ankle, and diabetes mellitus to obtain additional medical evidence.
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