The Veteran's claim for a separate compensable rating for diabetic retinopathy was denied as there is no evidence of compensable complications related to the condition.,The Veteran's claim for a separate compensable rating for diabetic nephropathy was denied because the VA examiner determined that the chronic kidney disease is not due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.
The deciding factor: There were no documented incapacitating episodes or visual field impairment related to diabetic retinopathy, and the Veteran's corrected vision in both eyes was 20/40 or better at all times during the pendency of the appeal.,The VA examiner determined that the chronic kidney disease is more likely due to long-standing hypertension rather than service-connected diabetes mellitus.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Nephropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21068483
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 21068483.
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 Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Bilateral Lower Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Sciatic Nerve), Erectile Dysfunction, and Bladder Cancer in remission. Effective dates have been set for these awards as of July 14, 2004. The Veteran's claim for higher initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 12, 2017 for the award of service connection for dry eye syndrome. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for dry eye syndrome is remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 100 percent effective April 13, 2023.,The Veteran's other trauma and stressor related disorder is rated at 70 percent effective April 13, 2023.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Diabetes Mellitus Type II and Diabetic Nephropathy/Hypertension have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings before or after the relevant dates.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.