The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The rating for DMII was denied, as the condition did not require regulation of activities. The peripheral neuropathy in the LLE was rated at 0 percent before March 18, 2016, but a higher rating is available. The RLE's diabetic peripheral neuropathy was rated at 30 percent since March 18, 2016, and CAD resulted in a 100 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s DMII did not require regulation of activities as defined by VA regulations, thus preventing higher ratings. The RLE's diabetic peripheral neuropathy was rated at the maximum available under current criteria before March 18, 2016. CAD resulted in a 100 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus Type II (DMII), Peripheral Neuropathy (internal saphenous nerve) of the Left Lower Extremity (LLE), Peripheral Neuropathy (external popliteal/common peroneal nerve) of the Right Lower Extremity (RLE), Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (sciatic nerve) of the Left Lower Extremity (LLE), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19165937
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 19165937.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD, granted an earlier effective date of August 14, 2024, for the grant of a 70 percent rating for PTSD, and denied other claims including entitlement to an effective date prior to April 3, 2025, for the grant of a 100 percent rating evaluation for CAD.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) as he does not meet the criteria for an increased rate based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure with ICD placement, diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, tinnitus, sinus tachycardia, and cardiomyopathy. The claims for irritable bowel syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disorder were remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of death due to coronary artery disease, considering the Veteran's presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.