The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and the Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's thoracic osteoarthritis is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board determined that the disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.,Separate ratings of 10 percent each are granted for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, both evaluated under Diagnostic Code 8526 (femoral nerve).,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied as there was no evidence to establish a link between the condition and service.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not meet or approximate criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: There is no medical evidence showing diastolic blood pressure of 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more, to warrant a higher rating for hypertension.,The Veteran's thoracic osteoarthritis does not meet the criteria for ankylosis (favorable or unfavorable) of the spine, nor incapacitating episodes within the appellate period. The Board found no evidence that the disability warranted a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.,Medical records show neurological impairment consistent with mild incomplete paralysis of the femoral nerve in both lower extremities, warranting separate 10 percent ratings for each.,There is no medical evidence showing diabetes mellitus was present during service or within the applicable presumptive period. Continuity of symptomatology is not established and there is no etiological link to service.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not meet criteria for a compensable rating as it has not been shown to be at least 10 percent disabling.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension, Thoracic osteoarthritis, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (femoral nerve), Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve), Diabetes mellitus, type II
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20069538
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
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