The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His lumbar strain with degenerative changes and pseudofolliculitis barbae were also evaluated, but no new issues or appeals were raised.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the Veteran's DM required insulin and restricted diet, meeting the 20% disability rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 7913. His lumbar strain with degenerative changes did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he had no incapacitating episodes or ankylosis. Pseudofolliculitis barbae was rated based on its impact on exposed skin.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, lumbar strain with degenerative changes, pseudofolliculitis barbae
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21002515
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 21002515.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, visual impairment, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's claims were not granted.
- 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 service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, resulting in the grant of special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is moot.
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