The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, bilateral cold foot sensation, diabetic neuropathies of the lower extremities, and diabetic retinopathy with cataracts are all rated at their maximum allowable levels. The Board has remanded for further development regarding service connection for cold feet.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s diabetes mellitus is currently rated 20 percent due to its impact on erectile dysfunction, bilateral lower extremity neuropathies, and diabetic retinopathy with cataracts. Service connection for cold foot sensation remains unresolved as the Board has remanded this issue.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Erectile Dysfunction, Bilateral Cold Foot Sensation (presumed separate from diabetic neuropathy), Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity (sciatic nerve involvement), Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity (femoral nerve involvement), Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity (sciatic nerve involvement), Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity (femoral nerve involvement), Diabetic Retinopathy, Bilateral Cataracts
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20054463
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20054463.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for a VA examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Bilateral Lower Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Sciatic Nerve), Erectile Dysfunction, and Bladder Cancer in remission. Effective dates have been set for these awards as of July 14, 2004. The Veteran's claim for higher initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.