The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and separate ratings were denied. His prostate cancer reduction from 100% to 60% was upheld, but his claim for restoration of the higher rating is denied. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with visual impairments and erectile dysfunction remains at a 20% disability rating. Separate ratings for diabetic retinopathy with macular edema and bilateral cataracts are not granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support an increase in the initial rating or separate ratings for the Veteran's conditions, as his diabetes mellitus type II required only restricted diet and one daily injection of insulin, without regulation of activities. His prostate cancer residuals were rated appropriately at 60%. The visual impairments related to diabetes mellitus are considered part of the diabetic process.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic retinopathy with macular edema, bilateral cataracts
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 2, 2021
- Citation
- A21017725
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 A21017725.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic nephropathy, and prostate cancer. The issues of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on housebound status and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) are remanded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and panic disorder with insomnia. The decision finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the erectile dysfunction was caused by these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a 20% rating for diabetes mellitus type II from June 20, 2020. The right ankle scar claim is remanded due to the Veteran's failure to report for a scheduled examination. The GERD secondary to diabetes mellitus claim and TDIU issue are also remanded.
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