The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, Type II with retinopathy, right knee arthritis prior to October 3, 2017, and right knee arthritis from December 1, 2018. The Veteran's left shoulder disability was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused the current condition. The diabetes mellitus rating was denied because the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization or regulation of activities with dietary restrictions and physical activity counseling.,The Board also denied increased ratings for arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The deciding factor: The Veteran's left shoulder disability was not related to his service due to a lack of in-service documentation and the fact that he did not have any complaints or diagnoses for this condition until after service. The diabetes mellitus rating was denied because the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization or regulation of activities with dietary restrictions and physical activity counseling.,The arthritis of the lumbar spine did not meet the criteria for ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), which are required for a higher rating.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Left Shoulder Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Diabetes Mellitus, Type II with Retinopathy","details":{"rating_assigned":null,"effective_date":null}}, {"condition_name":"Right Knee Arthritis","details":{"rating_assigned":10,"effective_date":null}}, {"condition_name":"Arthritis of the Lumbar Spine"}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 7, 2020

Citation

20065161