The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that regulation of activities due to diabetes has not been demonstrated, and the evidence did not support a higher rating for her diabetes. For her upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, the Board noted that while she reported burning pain and numbness in her hands, these symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated as 20 percent disabling based on its manageable by restricted diet only. The evidence did not demonstrate regulation of activities due to diabetes, which is required for a higher rating. For her upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, the Board found that while she reported burning pain and numbness in her hands, these symptoms do not meet the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis as defined under diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20062879
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 20062879.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, right lower extremity peripheral artery disease, left lower extremity peripheral artery disease, and hypertension as the evidence did not establish an in-service event or exposure to herbicide agents.
- Granted
The Veteran's Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular Aid and Attendance is granted as of April 25, 2024.,For diabetes mellitus, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.
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