The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus have been denied. The Veteran is currently rated at a noncompensable rating for erectile dysfunction due to the absence of penile deformity. His diabetes is rated at 20 percent based on its need for a restricted diet and regulation of activities.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings as it failed to show manifestations requiring insulin, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider.
- Claimed conditions
- Prostate Cancer, Erectile Dysfunction, Diabetes Mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19176879
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 compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and a higher rating for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy with muscle weakness, but granted an earlier effective date for the 60 percent disability rating for thrombosis, TIA or cerebral infarction with impairment of sphincter control and voiding dysfunction, and for service connection for pharynx and/or larynx and/or swallowing conditions residuals.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with MDD, service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the service-connected condition, and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance. However, it denied SMC based on housebound status.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for tension headaches effective September 13, 2022, but denied earlier effective dates and service connection for various conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased evaluation for the Veteran's psychiatric disability and granted TDIU beginning April 5, 2022.
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