The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, PTSD, small artery aneurysm of the left brachial artery, and left median neuropathy were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.,Specifically, the medical records showed that the Veteran had well-controlled DM with no need for insulin or dietary restrictions, which precluded a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show symptoms or functional impairment consistent with the criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's conditions were managed effectively and there was no indication of significant disability affecting his daily activities or occupational performance.,For PTSD, the Veteran reported some symptoms but these were not severe enough to warrant a 50% rating as per VA guidelines.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus type II, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Small artery aneurysm of the left brachial artery, Left median neuropathy of the minor extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 26, 2021
- Citation
- A21018893
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A21018893.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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